Opposition Rally on Nov 1 Gets Cockroach Janta Party's Support
Political temperature is rising ahead of a key opposition rally in Delhi, after the Cockroach Janta Party announced its support for the INDIA bloc's November 1 event. The rally is being organised to protest the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
In a post on X, party founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed that the party will back the rally scheduled for November 1. The announcement was made on October 28 in New Delhi.
Dipke stated that democracy works on the principle that the public chooses its government, not that a government chooses the public.
The party alleged that the SIR process has triggered apprehensions that eligible voters may be removed from the voter list. It said this situation has raised questions about the health of the democratic process.
Citing the Constitution, the party said that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and other leaders had guaranteed equal voting rights to every adult citizen. Irrespective of caste, religion, gender, education or income, every citizen holds an equal right to vote, the party said.
It recalled that Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Ambedkar, while framing the Constitution, had reposed faith in the people. According to the party, democracy can succeed only when every citizen's voice is treated with equal importance.
The party argued that the purpose of democracy is to draw as many citizens as possible into the process. It expressed concern that the SIR exercise has instead created fear among many people of being excluded from the voter list, rather than making voting easier for them.
The Cockroach Janta Party said it is the Election Commission's responsibility to protect the voting rights of every eligible citizen and not to put obstacles in their way.
The party further announced that it will extend support to all organisations fighting for free and fair elections across the country.
The INDIA bloc has announced several programmes seeking accountability from the Election Commission. These include a mock parliament session and a large rally planned for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.
Dipke clarified that the party's support is not aimed at any political gain and is intended to prioritise the national interest. The Cockroach Janta Party has a limited organisational structure and a modest electoral presence. Nevertheless, its backing is being viewed as added strength for the opposition campaign.
The ruling side has described such demands as politically motivated and has said the Election Commission functions independently.
As preparations for the November 1 rally gain momentum, the opposition sees the event as an opportunity to channel public discontent over electoral issues into broader popular support.