Delhi Braces for Cockroach Party Protest as Internet Shutdown Planned Near Jantar Mantar

Authorities in India’s capital, New Delhi, are preparing extensive security measures ahead of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The demonstration is scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10. Concerns that the protest could escalate have prompted plans to suspend internet services in areas surrounding the protest site for 24 hours, according to a report by Indian news outlet NDTV.

The report, published on Friday, said police had instructed mobile network operators to suspend internet services within an approximately four-kilometre area around Janpath and Kartavya Path from 10 pm on Friday until 10 pm on Saturday.

Authorities have also reportedly considered restrictions on rail and metro services as part of preparations for the demonstration. According to the report, 61 trains travelling to Delhi from various states and regions have been cancelled. Plans were also made to restrict entry and exit at 57 metro stations, while approximately 23,000 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces were reportedly deployed.

However, the decision to close metro stations drew objections from India’s Supreme Court. A judge criticised what was viewed as a disproportionate response, remarking, “You cannot use a hammer to kill a mosquito.” The court subsequently directed that most metro stations should remain open. Senior police officials then held discussions on the arrangements.

The CJP and opposition parties have called for Kumar’s resignation over allegations that millions of voters were removed from electoral rolls. They argue that the changes have raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process under his leadership.

The report also highlighted controversy surrounding voter-list revisions in West Bengal, where approximately seven million names were reportedly removed from electoral rolls. Opposition groups believe the deletions may have influenced the election outcome, although the extent of any electoral impact requires independent verification.

The party has previously claimed success in securing the resignation of a former education minister following a protest at Jantar Mantar several months ago. That episode has contributed to concerns that Saturday’s demonstration could attract a larger crowd.

The planned internet restrictions, transport measures and security deployment have placed the authorities’ handling of the protest under scrutiny. The scale of the demonstration and the final arrangements for public transport remain key developments to watch.