On Tuesday, Delhi Police detained two prominent members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), chief spokesperson Saurav Das and national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, while they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar, a historically significant protest site.

Details of the Incident

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Das and Ranka were taken into custody as they allegedly sought to breach police barriers at Jantar Mantar. Following the detainment, Das shared a message on social media, stating, “Jantar Mantar has been reclaimed! We have entered Jantar Mantar and now we are being detained! But this is a message to all of us young gen! We can do it! Gyanu, you’re done bro.”

Allegations Against the Government

In a related post on the platform ‘X’, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that party members, carrying the national flag, managed to enter Jantar Mantar before being apprehended. He remarked, “You cannot denotify the resistance, Narendra Modi,” pointing to the government’s recent decision regarding designated protest venues.

Dipke further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, asserting that the removal of Jantar Mantar as an officially recognized protest site reflects a broader fear of dissent. He stated, “Narendra Modi’s fear is evident from the fact that he has removed Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. He thinks protests will stop if Jantar Mantar is no longer a designated protest site, but that is not going to happen. Jantar Mantars will now emerge across the country.”

He posited that the core issue lies with the government’s opposition to protests in general, rather than the specific location of Jantar Mantar.

Government Regulations and Reactions

The context for this incident involves Delhi Police recently de-notifying Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests. This change, communicated to the public via an official notice, designates three alternative locations for such activities: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had established a committee tasked with identifying new venues for public demonstrations. The de-notification decision was based on this committee’s recommendations.

Community Response

In light of these developments, Ashutosh Ranka also voiced his frustration, posting, “Hands Off Jantar Mantar,” indicating strong opposition among party members regarding the government’s measures to limit protest activities in strategic locations.