‘Put Us in Jail or Shoot Us, We Will Not Back Down’
Tensions have risen in Delhi over the Kokroach Janata Party’s (CJP) campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an end to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police have denied permission for the party’s planned October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar. However, CJP founder Abhijit Deepke has vowed to continue the movement despite the risk of police action and arrest.
In a social media post on Friday night (October 9), Deepke addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Put us in jail or shoot us, we are ready. We will not back down in the face of your mentally disturbed behaviour.”
In an earlier video message, he said the movement would continue until the chief election commissioner resigned and the SIR process was stopped. He also announced plans to go to Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning.
Delhi Police said permission had not been granted for the CJP’s proposed protest. According to police, the organisers had failed to comply with the conditions and instructions imposed during an earlier demonstration. Authorities said the decision was taken to protect public safety, maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement.
Security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of Saturday’s protest. Barricades have been erected at Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas, with a large number of police and paramilitary personnel deployed. Indian media reports said surveillance had also been increased at various entry points to the capital.
As part of the security measures, restrictions have been imposed on entry and exit at several metro stations, while temporary changes have been made to train services heading towards the capital. Mobile internet services have also been ordered suspended temporarily in areas around Jantar Mantar. These measures have raised concerns about disruptions to public transport.
Meanwhile, India’s Supreme Court has questioned the extensive restrictions on metro and rail services in Delhi. The court observed, “You cannot use a hammer to kill a fly,” warning against measures that may be disproportionate to the situation.
The CJP’s movement centres on the SIR process, which the party alleges has led to the removal of large numbers of voters from electoral rolls, potentially undermining their voting rights. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the authorities concerned have denied allegations of irregularities in the revision process.
Protesters say they will continue their movement until their demands for Mr. Kumar’s resignation and an end to the SIR process are met. Delhi Police, meanwhile, remain firm on maintaining law and order during the planned demonstration.
Sources: Reuters, The Indian Express, The Times of India
