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Delhi’s Political Face-Off: Around 200 people gathered at Janpath for the Lal Hit Janata Party’s counter-protest ahead of the planned CJP demonstration. (Img: X)
New Delhi: Around 200 people gathered at Janpath in central Delhi on Friday as the Lal Hit Janata Party staged a counter-protest against abusive language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged attacks on police personnel during recent demonstrations.
The protest came a day before the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) planned to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The rival demonstrations have brought renewed attention to the debate over electoral transparency, protest conduct and accountability, with central Delhi preparing for another day of political activity.
The Lal Hit Janata Party organised the demonstration on October 9, with Ayan Bhatnagar representing the group. Protesters objected to abusive language directed at the Prime Minister and alleged assaults on police personnel during recent demonstrations.
The group argued that political disagreements should not involve verbal attacks against public figures or alleged violence against security personnel. Demonstrators also called for action against those responsible for alleged misconduct.
The outfit’s name appears to draw on a satirical reference to an insect-control brand, creating an apparent counterpoint to the Cockroach Janata Party and its unconventional political messaging.
The counter-protest added another dimension to the political dispute, shifting attention towards not only the demands being raised but also the methods used during demonstrations.
The counter-demonstration came ahead of the CJP’s planned October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar. The group has demanded that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls be scrapped and that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign.
The proposed agitation is linked to allegations that large numbers of voters have been removed from electoral rolls during the revision exercise. The CJP and some student groups have raised concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters and called for greater transparency.
Questions have also been raised about Form 6, which eligible citizens can use to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls. Protesters have sought clarity on how applications are processed and how citizens can address cases in which their names are missing.
These claims remain allegations raised by protesters and should not be treated as established findings without independent verification. The wider debate centres on whether the revision process provides sufficient transparency and safeguards for eligible voters.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke is expected to participate in the planned demonstration. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor-activist Prakash Raj have also been named among those expected to join the protest.
Their anticipated participation could bring additional attention to the agitation, particularly on social media, where discussions about voter registration and electoral accountability have attracted interest.
The organisers have called for the cancellation of the SIR exercise and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The scale of participation, the presence of prominent public figures and the authorities’ response will be key developments to watch.
The allegations concerning voter deletions remain contested, making clear information about electoral-roll revisions and procedures for correcting registration details central to the debate.
The planned CJP gathering follows protests by INDIA bloc leaders over the SIR exercise and the Chief Election Commissioner. Demonstrations in central Delhi have prompted heightened security arrangements, including police deployment, barricading on important roads and restrictions at some metro station gates.
These measures can affect commuters, office-goers and visitors travelling through protest-affected areas. With another demonstration planned at Jantar Mantar, police will need to manage security requirements while minimising disruption to public movement and facilitating peaceful assembly. The Lal Hit Janata Party’s counter-protest highlights how the controversy has generated competing demonstrations and different demands for accountability.
The Special Intensive Revision is an electoral-roll revision exercise intended to review and update voter lists. Accurate electoral rolls are essential because they determine which eligible citizens are registered to vote in a constituency. Supporters of voter-list revision argue that verification can improve the accuracy of electoral records. Critics, however, have raised concerns that errors, inadequate communication or difficult verification procedures could leave eligible voters struggling to establish their registration.
Form 6 provides a route for eligible individuals to apply for inclusion in an electoral roll. For ordinary voters, the practical concern is straightforward: if an eligible citizen’s name is missing, clear information about the applicable procedure and deadlines is essential. The controversy has expanded beyond party politics to broader questions about voter access, administrative transparency and public confidence in electoral institutions.
