Thousands of security personnel deployed as Delhi braces for ‘cockroach’ protest

The Indian capital, Delhi, has been sealed off as security forces mass in response to a protest organized by the Gen Z-led "cockroach" movement. The demonstrators are demanding electoral reforms and the dismissal of Election Commission Chief Gyanesh Kumar, who is accused of manipulating voter lists. Despite the Election Commission's denial of wrongdoing and Kumar's refusal to comment, the movement's founder, Abhijeet Dipke, vowed that demonstrators would march to Jantar Mantar, the protest site, regardless of police actions.

The police have canceled numerous trains to the city and shut down several metro stations to prevent the gathering. However, the CJP remains undeterred, insisting they will proceed with their protest on Saturday. The movement's recent protests have targeted Modi's government, leading to its first major victory when education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned in July.

The protests have been backed by student groups, opposition parties, and farmer organizations. The special intense revision of voter lists, or SIR, which began last year, has been a central issue, with allegations that eligible voters are being removed and the process is being influenced by CEC Kumar to benefit Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.