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

India's "cockroach" political movement vowed on Sunday to persist in its protests against the election commissioner, despite being released from detention following a planned demonstration in Delhi. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alongside two other leaders, were apprehended on Saturday before boarding their flight to thwart the demonstration.

The rally, initially set for Saturday, saw thousands of protesters detained, according to the youth-led group and media reports. CJP co-convenor Saurav Das, upon his release, declared, "We will not back down. We urge people to come out and carry out peaceful protests, until chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns." Authorities imposed a comprehensive security operation across the capital, including the closure of metro stations and over 200 trains, as well as a ban on public gatherings in several areas.

The Supreme Court directed authorities to ensure peaceful protesters are not detained illegally and to maintain internet connectivity at the protest site. The detention of protesters prompted criticism, with the UN human rights office demanding the immediate release of those "arbitrarily detained." Opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi vowed to continue protests against the election commission, stating that the youth and students will grow angrier as Modi and his government crack down.