New Delhi, October 14, 2026: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has extended support to leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) following their arrests during anti-CEC protests in Delhi, criticising the detention of young demonstrators and accusing the government of suppressing dissent. Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the protest movement would continue despite the arrests and restrictions imposed by authorities.
Rahul Gandhi Criticises Arrests
Gandhi criticised the detention of CJP leaders and protesters, arguing that young people carrying the national flag and raising political demands should not be treated as criminals.
He said democratic governments must allow peaceful protest and political disagreement rather than respond primarily through detention and restrictions.
CJP Leaders Remain in Custody
Prominent CJP leaders including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have faced detention in connection with demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
The group has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Abhijeet Dipke Says Movement Will Continue
Dipke said the arrests would not bring the agitation to an end.
He maintained that CJP volunteers would continue campaigning over electoral-roll revisions and would keep pressing for greater accountability from the Election Commission.
Electoral-Roll Controversy Remains at Centre
The protests are linked to allegations surrounding the revision of voter lists.
Opposition parties and activist groups have questioned large-scale deletions and changes made during the process, while the Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is intended to remove duplicate, deceased, relocated and otherwise ineligible entries.
Election Commission Rejects Political Bias Claims
The Election Commission has denied allegations that the revision process was designed to benefit any particular political party.
It has also maintained that eligible voters who are incorrectly excluded can use the prescribed process to seek restoration of their names.
Congress Support Raises Political Stakes
Rahul Gandhi’s public support gives the youth-led protest movement greater national political visibility.
The electoral-roll issue has already become part of a broader opposition campaign questioning the transparency and independence of the Election Commission.
Jantar Mantar Becomes Flashpoint
Jantar Mantar has repeatedly emerged as a focal point of the anti-CEC protests.
Police have detained demonstrators attempting to gather there amid restrictions imposed on protest activity in the area.
CJP Says Arrests Will Not Stop Mobilisation
CJP leaders have argued that detentions could strengthen rather than weaken the movement by drawing more attention to their demands.
The group is expected to continue using both street protests and social media to mobilise supporters.
Debate Over Right to Protest Intensifies
The arrests have also widened the debate beyond the electoral-roll dispute.
Opposition leaders say the issue now concerns the right to peaceful protest and political expression, while authorities maintain that restrictions are necessary to preserve public order and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
Political Confrontation Likely to Continue
With Rahul Gandhi openly backing the protesters and CJP leaders promising continued mobilisation, the standoff is unlikely to end soon.
Further demonstrations, court proceedings and responses from the Election Commission could keep the issue at the centre of national politics.
Source – The Indian Express, Reuters
Supreme News Network
