The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar is the biggest political story in Delhi today. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called a youth-led demonstration for Saturday, October 10, 2026, demanding that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign. Delhi Police has refused permission. This guide explains the key facts in plain language.
Quick facts
- Who: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with student and youth groups
- What: Protest demanding the CEC’s resignation
- Where: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Police status: Permission denied; Section 163 in effect
- Group’s position: The protest will be peaceful
What is the CJP protest about?
The CJP is demanding that Gyanesh Kumar resign as Chief Election Commissioner. The group, along with several opposition parties, has been protesting over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
They have also pointed to reports of differences within the three-member Election Commission.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das has described the October 10 event as a Gen Z and youth protest, not just a party event. Founder Abhijeet Dipke has said the protest will be peaceful and has urged citizens who want free and fair elections to join.
How did it build up?
The Delhi protest follows a large CJP rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on October 2. Thousands attended despite police restrictions, and the rally was backed by Shiv Sena (UBT). At that event, the CJP called for a fresh agitation in Delhi if the CEC did not step down.
On October 7, the CJP said it had formally informed Delhi Police by submitting a letter and an undertaking at the Parliament Street police station.
Has Delhi Police allowed the protest?
No. On Friday, October 9, Delhi Police denied permission for the Jantar Mantar protest. Officials gave two main reasons:
- Late application: The letter was received on October 7, only three days before the event.
- Earlier violations: Police said the CJP did not follow directions or its own undertakings at a previous protest.
A senior police officer also said Section 163 is in effect, which means protests are not permitted at Jantar Mantar or elsewhere in the area.
What are the CJP’s allegations?
The CJP has made several claims that police and the government have not confirmed:
- Activists in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, received police notices questioning their travel funding and asking them not to join the Delhi protest.
- Leaders say the government is planning to arrest CJP leaders before the protest.
These are the group’s statements. Readers should wait for official confirmation.
Do you need permission to protest at Jantar Mantar?
Yes. Under Delhi Police guidelines, organisers must get prior permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Being a known protest site does not automatically entitle every group to use it. Courts have also held, in the 2020 Shaheen Bagh case, that public roads and spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely in the name of protest.
What should you expect in Delhi today?
In an earlier protest called by AAP and student and youth groups, around 1,000 people were detained in Delhi as police stopped them from reaching Jantar Mantar. With permission denied and Section 163 in force, heavy security and possible detentions are likely around the area. If you live or travel near central Delhi, check official traffic advisories before heading out.
Frequently asked questions
What does CJP stand for? CJP stands for Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led political group.
Why is the CJP protesting? It wants Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign over alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls.
Is the October 10 protest legal? Delhi Police has denied permission and says Section 163 is in effect, so gatherings are not permitted. The CJP says it will protest peacefully.
Where is Jantar Mantar? Jantar Mantar is a well-known protest site in central New Delhi, near Parliament Street.
Will there be live updates? This situation is changing quickly. Follow major news outlets for live updates and official advisories.
The Takeaway
The CJP’s call to protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 sets up a standoff between a youth-led movement and Delhi Police over the right to protest and the demand for the CEC’s resignation. We will update this article as official information comes in.
Sources: Business Standard, ThePrint (PTI), Siasat, UNI, OrissaPost, Patrika, NewsBytes.
