Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned Tuesday notices reportedly issued by Maharashtra Police to party volunteers to avoid travel to Delhi to participate in protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Speaking to reporters, Dipke said he was disappointed that, after he praised the Maharashtra Police for how they handled the CJP’s protest in Mumbai, they did not use batons as did the Delhi Police.
“As you all know, over the past few days, I have been praising the Maharashtra Police for how they cooperated during our protest in Mumbai,” he said.
‘I Feel A Little Heartbroken’
Talking about the difference in handling of the protests in Maharashtra and Delhi, Dipke expressed that he was disappointed that notices have reportedly been issued to volunteers heading to the national capital.
“I feel a little heartbroken,” Dipke said while referring to the development.
Volunteers were asked to provide travel costs
“According to Dipke, CJP volunteers who travel to Delhi are being asked to provide information about their journey and expenses.
“Do the police now need an account even for a train ticket worth Rs 1,000-1,500,” he questioned.
In another post, Dipke questioned the very need for the notices shared by the Delhi Police, claiming the same would impact CJP’s planned peaceful protests.
“How can they make such a false argument? Is something being planned to sabotage our peaceful procession?” he asked on X.
CJP Co-Convenor Also Criticises Notices
CJP co-convenor Saurav Das also criticised the notices as they were reported and called on authorities to stop issuing them to volunteers.
“ILLEGAL. BJP’s Police must immediately stop threatening the younger generation,” Das said.
CJP continues protests over SIR
The party has been staging protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, over the controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is currently underway.
The party has alleged malpractices in the revision process and questioned the very survival of the Election Commission.
The commission, however, has denied all allegations that questioned the credibility of the electoral roll revision process and asserted that the special revision was necessary to keep the rolls properly updated.
Protesters Detained In Delhi
Last month, CJP volunteers, students, activists and political leaders converged at Jantar Mantar in Delhi as a part of demonstrations over the issue.
As per reports, several protesters were detained after they attempted to move towards the Election Commission’s office. The police have put up barricades and taken other security measures to stop the protesters from going towards the poll body’s office.