New Delhi police tighten security as Cockroach Janta Party plans rally
Thousands of extra officers were deployed in the Indian capital after two activists from the youth-led movement were jailed for five days.
At a glance
- New Delhi police deployed thousands of extra officers and closed Central Park ahead of a CJP protest rally.
- The rally was called after two CJP leaders were jailed for five days for alleged trespassing at a protest site.
- The movement demands the resignation of election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over removals from the electoral roll.
Indian authorities tightened security across New Delhi on Friday and closed a public park ahead of a protest called by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of India's chief election commissioner.
Thousands of additional police officers were deployed in the capital, and metal barricades were set up at key intersections. Supporters had been called to gather at Central Park at 5pm local time (11:30am GMT), but authorities closed the park, citing "administrative reasons".
The rally was announced after two of the movement's leaders were jailed for five days this week for allegedly trespassing at a protest site.
Founder says he is 'ready' for jail
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke suggested police might try to arrest him before the demonstration, but said he and his supporters were "not afraid" and were "ready" to go to jail. In a social media post, he accused the government of hypocrisy and criticised police crackdowns against the movement.
"The very party that is in power today spent decades organising protests, taking to the streets and questioning the governments of the day when it was in opposition," Dipke said, adding that many of those now in power might never have reached their positions had similar restrictions been used against them.
The CJP has held near-daily demonstrations this month calling for electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The commissioner oversaw the removal of more than 130 million names from the electoral roll, which the CJP describes as voter fraud. Election authorities said the changes removed duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries.
The movement was founded in May amid anger over leaked exam papers and the poor prospects facing India's youth, and became a channel for young Indians who feel disenfranchised during an unemployment crisis under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. It has since forced the resignation of the education minister.
With opposition parties quick to back the protests, Modi has come under intense pressure, with some analysts describing it as the worst crisis of his time in office since 2014.
Source: Al Jazeera.
Questions and answers
- What is the Cockroach Janta Party?
- The CJP is a youth-led Indian movement founded in May amid anger over leaked exam papers and poor prospects for young people. It has held near-daily protests demanding electoral reforms and the election commissioner's resignation.
- Why are CJP activists protesting in New Delhi?
- The party called the rally after two of its leaders were jailed for five days this week for allegedly trespassing at a protest site, and it continues to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Why does the CJP want the election commissioner to resign?
- The CJP accuses Gyanesh Kumar of voter fraud over the removal of more than 130 million names from India's electoral roll. Election authorities said the changes removed duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries.
