The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Delhi Police refused to grant permission for the gathering. The denial set the stage for a legal contest, as the police decision would later be examined by the Supreme Court.
In anticipation of the rally, Delhi and Gurugram police launched a wide-ranging security operation. Rapid Action Force units were deployed. Checkpoints were erected at interstate borders, railway stations came under heightened surveillance, and drones were used to monitor the area around Jantar Mantar. Particular attention was paid to the residences of Gyanesh Kumar and Rahul Gandhi, which received additional protective details.
#BreakingNews: Internet Services to Be Suspended in Central #Delhi From 10 PM Tonight Until Further Orders https://t.co/0oIrsb2vXv
On the morning of 2026-10-10, plain-clothed police officers arrived at the Gurugram residence of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Approximately fifty personnel in civilian clothes approached the house, and Rathee was taken into custody. The officers were described as being linked to the Cockroach Janta Party. Rathee had been expected to join the CJP-called protest at Jantar Mantar later that day.
The CJP had called for the Jantar Mantar demonstration as part of a broader campaign against Gyanesh Kumar.
The CJP had called for the Jantar Mantar demonstration as part of a broader campaign against Gyanesh Kumar. On the same date, 2026-10-10, the party organised a demonstration at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. That event featured actor Prakash Raj, who had previously taken part in a Bengaluru protest targeting the election commissioner. The Bengaluru gathering showed the party’s ability to coordinate actions across cities.
West Central Railway and Western Railway cancelled several Delhi-bound trains on Friday, citing anticipated heavy traffic congestion in the national capital and other operational reasons. The cancellations came a day before the Cockroach Janta Party's planned protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. More details: https://t.co/3NUr5IqtsB #IndianRailways #DelhiProtest #Delhi #Travel
Prakash Raj’s involvement in the Bengaluru demonstration underscored a segment of the cultural and artistic community that opposes the Chief Election Commissioner’s stance on electoral roll revisions. His participation linked the CJP’s cause to a visible public figure, amplifying the protest’s reach beyond the party’s core supporters.
After Delhi Police denied permission for the Jantar Mantar rally and imposed transport restrictions, the matter was brought before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court intervened over the transport restrictions imposed by Delhi Police. As of now, Delhi Police maintains a neutral position in its public statements, Dhruv Rathee is described as neutral regarding the protest, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is characterised critically by those opposing his electoral roll initiative.
“Opposition has reached at their last resort that is why they are doing everything. Government has taken measures to avoid any kind of incidents.” - West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on restrictions in Delhi ahead of CJP protest https://t.co/d4A9XLUqID