India’s ‘cockroach’ leaders vow to keep up election protests

India's "cockroach" protest movement leaders vowed on Sunday to persist in their campaign against the election commissioner, following their release from detention. The planned demonstration in New Delhi took place despite authorities' efforts to prevent a major protest. The rally was organized after weeks of opposition mobilization over allegations of misconduct during a nationwide voter roll revision, which critics claim could favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party.

The Election Commission of India denied any wrongdoing. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and two other leaders were apprehended before boarding their flight to Delhi for the demonstration. Thousands of protesters were also detained. CJP co-convenor Saurav Das, after his release, urged people to participate in peaceful protests and continue until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigned.

Authorities imposed a ban on public gatherings in several areas and shut down metro stations and trains ahead of the rally. The Supreme Court directed authorities to ensure peaceful protesters are not detained illegally. The detention of protesters sparked criticism, with the UN human rights office calling for their immediate and unconditional release.