CJP Founder Leads Delhi Protest Challenge Over Electoral Rolls

Thousands of security personnel were deployed in Delhi on October 10, 2026, as Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke traveled from Mumbai to lead a protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations involving voter lists.

Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering and imposed restrictions around central Delhi, according to police officials. More than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed, while roads and some transport routes faced disruptions.

Dipke said the CJP would proceed with its planned march despite the restrictions. The movement has accused authorities of manipulating electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision process, allegations rejected by the Election Commission and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"We will march to Jantar Mantar come what may," said Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder.

The CJP founder had said the group was prepared for possible detention or force during the protest. The statement was made in a post addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the demonstration.

"If you want to jail us or even shoot us we are prepared," said Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder.

Dipke also criticized the security measures and cancellations affecting supporters traveling to Delhi. He left Mumbai for the capital after departing from the airport in the morning.

"The government is scared," said Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder.

He argued that the restrictions imposed before the protest reflected pressure from authorities. Dipke later repeated his criticism of the government's response to the planned demonstration.

"The shutdown of Delhi and crackdown on supporters were not signs of strength, but of a leader terrified of his own people," said Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder.

Delhi Police official Nupur Prasad said permission was refused because of procedural and security concerns. Police stated that applications for events at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days before the scheduled date.

"Under current guidelines, an application to organise an event at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date," said Nupur Prasad, Delhi Police official.

Prasad also cited previous issues involving the CJP's compliance with police instructions. The group disputed the requirement, saying it only needed to inform police before assembling.

"Lawful directions" said Nupur Prasad, Delhi Police official, referring to previous instructions given to the group.

Delhi Police said the restrictions were intended to maintain public safety and control traffic near Jantar Mantar. The force issued an explanation for denying the protest request.

"In light of the non-compliance with prescribed procedures, the failure to adhere to past legal directions, and the current state of public safety, law and order, and traffic regulation, permission for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar is hereby denied," said Nupur Prasad, Delhi Police official.

The dispute centers on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which the Election Commission said was aimed at removing duplicate and ineligible entries. According to the commission, 130 million names have been removed from voter lists so far.

Opposition parties and activists have alleged that eligible voters were affected by the revision process and accused Gyanesh Kumar of favoring the BJP, claims rejected by both the Election Commission and the party.