The protest by CJP concerning elections has drawn attention to calls for release of various detainees, including Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Abhijeet Dipke, who is out on bail, has been actively demanding their release and has kept the controversy alive. The developments have raised questions about the protest’s reach with the public and its potential political consequences and future.
Abhijeet Dipke Out on Conditional Bail
10/17/2023 Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has been released on conditional bail on Saturday, October 17, after he was detained for going towards Delhi for the Lehra Do Tiranga march. He was asked to deposit a peace bond of ₹50,000 and agree to the restriction to stop a breach of peace for a year.
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CJP Calls for Immediate Release of Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka
After the release of Dipke, CJP has demanded the release of co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who are still detained. The party has said it will approach the courts if they are not released and accused the authorities of ‘prolonging the matter.’ These claims are made by the party and have not been independently verified.
What Is the Protest of the CJP?
The CJP protest over the SIR was based on irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the sacking of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opponents pointed to voter exclusions, while the Election Commission insisted that the revision was meant to rectify electoral rolls.
Is the Protest Gaining Public Support?
The headline asks if the CJP protest is connecting with the general public. It is difficult to say, in the absence of credible polling or sample participation data, but the issue has garnered attention due to the ongoing detention of party leaders, the calls for their release and legal action.
What Happens Next?
The attention today continues to be on the legality of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka and the CJP’s next steps and the government’s response. The unfolding events have the potential to shape the trajectory of the protest and the larger debate on electoral-roll updates, protest clearances, and the dispersal of political protests in Delhi.
