CJP Alleges Dipke, Das And Ranka Detained At Delhi Airport Ahead Of Jantar Mantar Protest

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has claimed that its founder Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained upon arriving at Delhi airport on Saturday ahead of their planned protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Delhi has been placed under heightened security, with more than 40,000 Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel deployed, alongside barricades and spike strips at key locations.

The CJP protest aims to demand Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, maintaining that major decisions related to the revision exercise were taken unanimously by the full commission.

Jantar Mantar 2.0: Why Is CJP Protesting Again?

The CJP has repeatedly demanded Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise, continuing its campaign through public statements and demonstrations, including a protest in Mumbai on October 2.

The latest demonstration was planned at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. However, Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, citing public interest.

The controversy surrounding the Election Commission intensified following an investigative report by The Indian Express, which reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding decisions and procedures linked to the SIR exercise.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that approximately 13 crore voters have been removed from electoral rolls since 2024. He has also linked the alleged deletions to the narrow vote-share gap between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, arguing that large-scale changes to electoral rolls could influence election outcomes.

The Election Commission has denied the allegations, stating that decisions concerning the SIR exercise were taken unanimously.

Delhi Tightens Security Ahead Of CJP Protest

Security arrangements were intensified around Jantar Mantar and adjoining roads ahead of the planned demonstration. Barricades were installed, and police and central forces were deployed at strategic locations.

Loudspeakers at three major entry and exit points issued warnings in Hindi and English against gatherings, processions, road blockades and other activities prohibited under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Delhi Police said more than 15,000 personnel had been deployed to manage the expected turnout, while approximately 26,000 central force personnel were expected to be present in the city.

The security measures also affected public transport. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initially announced entry and exit restrictions at 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday. The list was subsequently revised to 45 stations.

The Railways also cancelled mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, citing the possibility of heavy road congestion.

CJP Protest: What’s Open And What’s Closed In Delhi?

The planned demonstration prompted several restrictions affecting public transport, access to the protest venue and retail liquor sales. Commuters were advised to account for disruptions while travelling across the national capital.

1. Train Services At Two Major Stations

The Railways cancelled mail and express trains at their originating stations if they were scheduled to arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, October 10.

The decision was taken amid concerns over heavy road traffic around the stations due to the planned demonstration in central Delhi.

2. Metro Restrictions At 45 Stations

The DMRC initially announced restrictions on entry and exit at 57 metro stations from 9 pm on Friday before revising the list to 45 stations.

The restrictions were scheduled to continue through Saturday, subject to the prevailing security situation and further directions from the authorities.

3. Retail Liquor Shops Closed

Retail liquor outlets across Delhi were ordered to remain closed on October 9 and 10 under an excise department directive. The restrictions covered specified outlets selling Indian, foreign and country liquor, including some shops located in malls.

Licensed restaurants, bars and clubs were, however, permitted to continue serving liquor as usual, according to an excise department official.

4. Entry To Jantar Mantar Restricted

Delhi Police restricted access to Jantar Mantar ahead of the planned demonstration. According to the information provided, even media personnel were denied entry to the protest site.

The police had earlier refused permission for the CJP gathering.

5. Namo Bharat Stations Shut

The Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar Namo Bharat stations in Delhi were scheduled to remain closed from 9 pm on October 9 until 10 pm on October 10.

The restrictions formed part of the security arrangements introduced ahead of the planned CJP protest.