India's "Cockroach Party" leaders released from detention, demand resignation of country's election chief

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   Cockroach Party Leaders Released as Delhi Protests Continue

   Police in New Delhi locked down the capital as youth movement leaders were released from detention following a brief arrest. Three prominent figures of the Cockroach Janata Party demand the resignation of the country's election chief over a contentious revision of voter lists and alleged misconduct by the election commission. Demonstrators braved police presence during a second day of protests at Jantar Mantar. The movement's leadership vowed to continue demonstrations, stating that India is at war with its citizens and calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi an embarrassment to the nation.

   Why it matters

   The demonstrations center on a nationwide voter-roll revision handled by the country's election commission. Protesters allege misconduct by the election body, leading to youth-led opposition movements organizing rallies in the capital. Authorities initially attempted to halt the demonstrations by placing New Delhi in lockdown and detaining arriving leaders at the airport.

   What is confirmed

   • Three leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party, identified as Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were released from detention on Sunday after being arrested a day prior.
   • Police locked down New Delhi to foil protests demanding the resignation of the country's election chief over a contentious revision of voter lists.
   • The movement founder described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an embarrassment to India in a social media post after his release.

   Still unconfirmed

   • CJP leaders urged all political parties to unite ahead of an INDIA bloc march.

   What to watch next

   • Further demonstrations or crackdowns in New Delhi as the Cockroach Janata Party continues its campaign.
   • Decisions by opposition parties regarding participation in the planned INDIA bloc march.
   • Any official response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the election commission regarding resignation demands.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. Al Jazeera — India’s ‘Cockroach’ leaders detained; New Delhi in lockdown
   2. The New York Times — From a Sikh Sanctuary to Chaotic Streets, Protesters Brave Police in Delhi
   3. The New York Times — India’s ‘Cockroach’ Leaders Released as New Delhi Braces for More Protests
   4. www.aljazeera.com — India’s ‘Cockroach’ leaders released from detention after ...
   5. Reuters — Indian capital braces for second day of protests against poll chief
   6. BBC — CJP at Jantar Mantar: Delhi sees more protests as 'Cockroach' group's arrested leaders freed
   7. CBS News — India's "Cockroach Party" leaders released from detention, demand resignation of country's election chief
   8. AP News — India cracks down on youth protests as anger grows against Modi and election chief
   9. The Hindu — Anti-CEC protest LIVE: CJP leaders vow to protest till CEC resigns, urge all parties to unite ahead of INDIA bloc march
   10. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — India's 'Cockroach' protest movement leaders freed from detention, vow to continue demonstrations
   11. The Guardian — ‘Cockroach’ party leaders say India is ‘at war with its citizens’ as protests enter second day
   12. PBS — Leaders from India's 'Cockroach' movement released from detention, pledge to hold more protests
   confidence 95%