Cockroach Janta Party plans Delhi protest to demand CEC resignation

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The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alongside student organisations including AISA, AISF, SFI, and ASAP, has scheduled a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on October 10, 2026. The groups are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, as well as comprehensive electoral reforms and the repeal of the 2023 law on Election Commission appointments. Although the Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration, CJP organizers submitted an intimation letter and an undertaking, arguing that permission is not required for a designated protest site. In response, authorities are planning a security deployment of approximately 23,000 central forces and 20,000 Delhi Police personnel, alongside strict border surveillance and monitoring of student accommodations.

Timeline

1. Oct 8

   Reports emerged that the Union Home Ministry approved the deployment of thousands of additional central security forces, bringing the total to 23,000.⁵⁶

2. Oct 7

   CJP and student groups held a joint press conference in New Delhi to mobilize for the protest and demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.⁴

3. Oct 7

   CJP co-convenor Saurav Das submitted an intimation letter to Delhi Police for the October 10 protest, while police denied formal permission.¹²