Pune: CJP To Hold ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ Protest At Collectorate On October 17 After SPPU Denies Permission

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) plans to stage a 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest at the Ambedkar Statue near Pune's Collectorate on Saturday, October 17, from 4 pm to 7 pm. This demonstration aims to show support for CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, as well as other individuals arrested or detained for raising the national flag at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The party received permission to hold the protest at the Collectorate after their request to organize at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) was denied. The event intends to unite citizens under the Tricolour and call for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had previously called for nationwide 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protests on Friday.

The Pune unit has urged citizens and supporters to participate peacefully and protect democratic rights and the national flag's dignity. Ranka and Das were placed in five days of judicial custody and Tihar Jail after allegedly breaching their peace bonds and trespassing at Jantar Mantar. The party's application for a protest at SPPU was reportedly rejected due to a Management Council resolution from August 2026, stating that the university would not allow demonstrations on national issues unrelated to the university on its grounds.

This resolution cited the CJP's earlier protest against the NEET-UG paper leak, which had taken place at the university. CJP member Kushal Gupte approached Chaturshrungi Police Station on October 14 to request permission for the demonstration, but the police cited the university's circular and stated they could not grant permission for a protest on the campus.

Nashik's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Chilumula Rajnikanth mentioned that the police had not given nor withheld permission at that time, noting that discussions with relevant authorities were ongoing. The CJP has questioned the university's decision, arguing that the right to vote and voter registration are important to students, many of whom are first-time voters.

The party also demands a public statement from SPPU and assurances that the protest restrictions would apply equally to all organizations. The 'Lehra Do Tiranga' event is set to occur at the Ambedkar Statue near the Collectorate from 4 pm to 7 pm on October 17.