Leaders of India's Cockroach Party Detained Ahead of Planned Protest

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in India have been detained ahead of a planned protest calling for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. On Saturday, October 10, Delhi Police reported detaining approximately 500 individuals as they arrived for the protest, with an additional 50 arrests made, described by police as 'anti-social elements with criminal antecedents.' Visuals showed police in central Delhi detaining young protesters. Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the CJP, was reportedly detained upon arrival at Delhi's airport. He was quoted saying, 'I'm not afraid of you,' as police urged him to cooperate. The CJP's social media account released footage of the incident, criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Other CJP leaders, including co-conveners Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, were also detained. The protest is part of a broader crackdown on dissent, with authorities implementing an internet blackout and barricades in central Delhi. Nitin Nabin, the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), condemned the CJP and opposition protests, labeling them as attempts to create instability in the country. Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was also detained, with the CJP claiming that the government is fearful of young voices questioning its actions. The Supreme Court has intervened to ensure that transportation services are not completely halted, emphasizing the need for proportionality in security measures. The CJP's protest is seen as a continuation of previous demonstrations that led to the resignation of the education minister over exam irregularities. The situation in Delhi remains tense as security forces prepare for potential clashes with protesters.