The founder of the anti-Election Commission group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, has said that he and his two colleagues - Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka - may be arrested before a protest scheduled for October 10. Dipke accused the government of attempting to detain the three under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the National Security Act (NSA), or similar legislation.
CJP To Protest Against CEC At Jantar Mantar
The CJP has called for a protest on October 10 at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The October 10 protest will see the anti-Election Commission touting the group’s grievances about the Election Commission and will focus on pressing the poll watchdog to take responsibility.
‘We Will Continue Our Campaign Peacefully,’ said Abhijeet Dipke
Speaking of the threat to detain him and his two colleagues, Dipke said, “It will not stop us from continuing our campaign, and we will continue doing so peacefully.” The founder of CJP added that he and his colleagues were prepared to go to jail to achieve their goal.
Dipke’s comments suggest that the anti-Election Commission group may continue to challenge the ruling party even if his allegations of impending arrest are false.
No Independent Confirmation of Threat to Arrest
While Dipke made the allegations of an impending arrest, they cannot be independently verified. It is unclear whether Dipke’s allegations have any basis in reality, as no police action against the three was reported.
Accusations Involving UAPA, NSA Raise Profile of The Controversy
The allegations that the UAPA or the NSA could be used against Dipke and his two colleagues add credibility to the controversy. If the allegations are true, it shows that the anti-Election Commission campaign has attracted the government’s firm attention. The threat to Dipke and his two colleagues has also raised the stakes for the October 10 protest as it approaches.
Despite Threat to Detain, CJP Says It Will Press on With Protests
Despite the allegations of an impending arrest, the founder of the CJP says that his group will continue to protest. Dipke said that even if the three were sent to jail, it would not stop them from campaigning and calling for the resignation of the CEC. With the date for the protest at Jantar Mantar approaching, Dipke’s allegations will be carefully watched.