CJP to Revise Protest Strategy After Release of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, Says Abhijeet Dipke

CJP to Rework Protest Strategy After Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka’s Release: Abhijeet Dipke

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has said the organisation will regroup and reassess its next course of action after the release of members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who remain in custody amid protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The demonstrations are linked to allegations of irregularities in the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to news agency ANI, Dipke said CJP members would collectively decide on their next steps once Das and Ranka return.

Speaking about the recent arrests and detentions, Dipke alleged that the actions were intended to intimidate the organisation. He maintained that CJP would continue its campaign despite the developments.

“Once Saurav and Ashu come, we will gather, restrategise, and determine how to move forward,” Dipke said.

He added that the organisation would not be deterred by what he described as illegal arrests and detentions, stressing that the campaign was a long-term effort. Dipke also expressed hope that both members would be released soon.

Abhijeet Dipke Granted Conditional Bail

Dipke received conditional bail on Saturday after being detained and subsequently arrested while travelling towards Connaught Place in Delhi.

The CJP founder had called for a ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march on Friday, October 16, at 5 pm. Police had reportedly served him a notice shortly before the planned demonstration, advising him against participating.

Despite the notice, Dipke proceeded towards Connaught Place on Friday evening, where he was detained.

His conditional bail marked a development in the case, although the detention of two other CJP members continued to concern the organisation.

Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Remain in Custody

CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were still in custody at the time of the statement.

A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) had ordered five days of judicial custody for the two on Wednesday, a day after they allegedly entered the Jantar Mantar protest site despite restrictions.

Following his release, Dipke expressed solidarity with the detained members through a post on X.

“Now just waiting for my brothers to be free…” he wrote on Saturday.

The organisation is expected to discuss its future programme after the two members return, according to Dipke’s statement.

Why Is CJP Protesting Against the Chief Election Commissioner?

The latest developments come amid protests targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The SIR exercise has become a point of contention, with Opposition leaders and protest groups raising concerns about the revision process and its implications for voters. The Election Commission’s role in maintaining accurate electoral rolls has also remained under scrutiny amid the political dispute.

CJP’s demonstrations form part of the wider campaign against the CEC over these allegations. Dipke’s latest remarks indicate that the organisation intends to consult its members and reassess its strategy following the recent detentions.

The next steps in the protest campaign are expected to become clearer after Das and Ranka are released and the organisation holds its planned meeting.