Dhruv Rathee Joins Protest as India Visit Sparks Political Row

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee joined a protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on October 8, while his participation drew online attention and a request for scrutiny of his citizenship and visa status from former Bengaluru Police commissioner Bhaskar Rao.

According to theprint.in, a video announcing Rathee’s appearance at the Bengaluru protest gained 6.4 million likes on Instagram and more than 125,000 comments. Rathee later promoted participation in a planned October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

The video was shared by Cockroach Janta Party founder and convenor Abhijeet Dipke before the Bengaluru demonstration. Dipke introduced Rathee as a surprise guest ahead of the event.

"I am in Bangalore for tomorrow’s protest, but before that, I have a surprise for you," said Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder and convenor.

Rathee, who has built large audiences across YouTube, Instagram and X, appeared in the video urging supporters to attend the demonstrations. According to theprint.in, he has 33 million YouTube subscribers, 19.2 million Instagram followers and 3.3 million followers on X.

"Hello friends, this fight is to save democracy. Let’s meet tomorrow, 8 October, at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. And those living in Delhi, don’t forget to come to Jantar Mantar on 10 October," said Dhruv Rathee, YouTuber.

After attending the Bengaluru protest, Rathee shared videos from the gathering. One clip showed him leading a crowd response during the event.

"Vote thief," said Dhruv Rathee, YouTuber.

The crowd response in the same video was also highlighted online after attendees completed the slogan.

"Seat thief," said the protest crowd during Rathee’s address.

Another video featuring Rathee’s first on-ground protest appearance included actor Prakash Raj. Dipke later shared a birthday message connected with Rathee’s appearance at the event.

"Happy birthday and happy first protest @dhruvrathee!" wrote Abhijeet Dipke in the caption.

Prakash Raj has previously backed CJP protests and appeared in a video connected with the campaign. The actor used a dialogue referencing the Election Commission issue discussed by protesters.

"Now it’s your turn, Gyanu," said Prakash Raj, actor.

Rathee also responded online to reported restrictions affecting metro and railway stations in Delhi before the planned October 10 protest. His post questioned the measures being taken around the demonstration.

"Why are you so scared, Modi? Your IT cell told us that hardly anyone will come to our protest, so why all these measures?" posted Dhruv Rathee, YouTuber.

Separately, Bhaskar Rao sent a letter to the Union Home Ministry requesting verification of Rathee’s citizenship, immigration status and compliance with visa conditions after his protest appearance.

"The limited and specific issue requiring examination is whether a foreign national, while present in India on the basis of a particular visa, immigration permission or other status, is legally entitled to participate in, address or otherwise associate himself with an organised political protest concerning the functioning of India's constitutional and statutory institutions," said Bhaskar Rao, former Bengaluru Police commissioner.

Rao said his request was not based on disagreement with Rathee’s political views but sought examination of whether applicable immigration and legal requirements were followed. He also asked authorities to review entry and exit records.

According to Times of India, Rathee attended the Bengaluru protest alongside Prakash Raj and others, while the demonstration was organised by civil society groups and CJP over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.