Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Hundreds detained in Delhi as youth-led protest group demands electoral reforms
Indian authorities have detained hundreds of demonstrators in Delhi during a protest organised by a youth-led activist movement demanding electoral reforms. The detentions occurred as the group's founder and other leaders arrived at the demonstration.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Hundreds of protesters have been detained by Delhi police during demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a Generation-Z led activist movement calling for electoral reforms in India. Among those taken into custody were group founder Abhijeet Dipke and other senior organisers, who were apprehended shortly after arriving at the protest site.
The CJP emerged as a movement in May following remarks by India's Chief Justice, who drew public criticism for comparing some unemployed young people to "cockroaches." The contentious comment sparked outrage among youth activists, who subsequently adopted the term for their fledgling movement.
The group has since grown into a significant protest force, with the current demonstration representing one of its largest mobilisations to date. Organisers have signalled that electoral reforms remain central to their advocacy agenda, with members citing concerns over the country's democratic processes.
The mass detentions mark an escalation in tensions between the activist movement and authorities. Police have not yet released details regarding the specific charges or expected duration of custody for those detained. The incident underscores growing youth activism across India around governance and political reform issues.