Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday criticised the restrictions imposed across New Delhi ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), questioning how long the authorities could continue to restrict public movement to prevent demonstrations against the government.
The protest aims to build pressure on the Narendra Modi-led government to remove Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar amid a political row over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Opposition allegations of “vote chori”.
Mahua Moitra
Taking to X, Moitra warned that preventing the demonstration on October 10 would not stop protesters from returning in the following days.
“If they don’t allow @Cockroachisback on 10th, they will do it on 11th… or on 12th… or 13th… or… every day everyday… how long will Modi and Shah shut down Delhi to save these Chors?” she wrote.
Reacting to her post, CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka responded: “Haa Ha, Good Idea.”
Police detain protesters across Delhi
Delhi Police detained around 150 protesters on Friday as they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for the proposed demonstration against Kumar, according to police sources. Drones were reportedly being used to monitor the movement of people attempting to reach the protest venue.
Sources further said that more than 600 people had been detained across all 15 districts of the national capital as part of preventive security measures linked to the planned agitation.
Police said the preventive action was intended to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from creating law-and-order problems during the demonstration. Authorities were also monitoring people suspected of mobilising crowds or encouraging others to participate in the protest.
Police detaining protestors across Delhi
Surveillance intensified ahead of demonstration
Security arrangements were strengthened at strategic locations across the Capital, particularly along routes leading to Jantar Mantar and other sensitive areas.
Police personnel were deployed to prevent unauthorised gatherings and avert potential disturbances. Surveillance was also intensified outside the residences of individuals whom authorities suspected could mobilise protesters, according to sources.
Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing security considerations and procedural requirements. Officials said prohibitory orders remained in force in parts of New Delhi and urged people to comply with the restrictions.
The measures included heightened monitoring of public movement and a strict security presence to prevent any breach of peace.
CJP presses demand over electoral rolls
The proposed demonstration has been organised by the CJP to demand Kumar’s resignation over alleged manipulation of electoral rolls during the SIR exercise. The protesters have also raised concerns over changes involving Form 6, which is used to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.
The agitation comes amid an intensifying confrontation between the Opposition and the Election Commission of India over voter-list revisions and allegations of electoral irregularities.
Representative image
Despite restrictions and a growing number of detentions, the protest organisers have maintained their demand for accountability from the poll body.
Moitra’s remarks have added to the political criticism of the security measures, with the TMC MP arguing that preventing one demonstration would not end the agitation as protesters could continue returning to the streets.