India closes down New Delhi park ahead of 'cockroach' movement rally

In New Delhi, park authorities have temporarily shut down Central Park ahead of a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against India’s election chief. The dispute centers around a recent voter roll revision that critics claim has disenfranchised millions, particularly Muslims. The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, claims the revised rolls favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party.

Dipke’s group has called for supporters to rally at the park, despite two of their members being detained for breaching a security barricade at Jantar Mantar. Delhi police have increased security presence in the city, deploying thousands of personnel and setting up yellow metal barricades at key intersections. The opposition parties are marching to the Supreme Court against the election chief, asserting they are not intimidated by authorities.

Delhi’s municipal authorities have closed the park for two days, citing administrative reasons. However, Delhi police have barred public gatherings around Connaught Place, warning that violations could lead to legal action. The controversy has sparked protests across the capital, with thousands of demonstrators demanding the resignation of the election chief.