India’s ‘Cockroach’ movement says many members detained ahead of Delhi rally

Recent protests across India have called for chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down, amid concerns over a controversial revision of voter lists. Indian authorities initiated widespread arrests of individuals linked to the Cockroach youth movement, just days before a significant rally in Delhi. The movement and its leaders shared the detentions on social media platform X, alleging the presence of activists from various parts of the country and a high-ranking spokesman, Deepak Baliyan.

Police have not yet commented on the matter, but videos circulating on X show activists being removed in vehicles. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson, Abhijeet Dipke, questioned the government's actions, suggesting the imposition of an emergency might have been a more appropriate response. At least 10,000 people have reportedly been detained across the nation, including activists from the CJP, student organizations, and other groups.

Opposition parties and the CJP blame the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of utilizing the voter list revision to secure a favorable outcome, in cooperation with Kumar. The demonstrations present a fresh political challenge for Modi, who is in his third term. Earlier in the day, hundreds of CJP supporters protested in Bengaluru, carrying signs demanding every name and vote to be valued, and denouncing the "murder of democracy."

Anger has also erupted over the alleged police brutality against Congress party leaders and the voter list controversies. Opposition Congress Party accused the police of employing "brute force" while attempting to apprehend party leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra near the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi. Delhi Police denied these allegations, stating they were being used to "defame" the force.

BJP spokesman Gaurav Bhatia dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking any evidence, stating they were coming from an "irresponsible, anarchist opposition."