Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday night called upon supporters to gather in large numbers at Jantar Mantar for Saturday's protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that he would not be intimidated by the possibility of arrest or action under stringent laws.
In a video message released late at night, Dipke said the demonstration should proceed even if he was detained before reaching the protest venue or subsequently arrested by the authorities.
"Tomorrow is our march. I don't know what will happen to me, whether I will be arrested from the airport or will be later arrested. I will not be cowed down because we want to save the democracy in the country. I am not scared even if I am detained. The government can slap us with NSA or UAPA," Dipke said.
He was referring to the National Security Act (NSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), both of which contain stringent provisions relating to detention or prosecution in specified circumstances. His remarks reflected apprehensions about possible legal action rather than confirmation that either law had been invoked against him.
Calls for peaceful demonstration
Dipke appealed to people to participate in the October 10 demonstration in large numbers while maintaining peace and adhering to non-violence.
"Come to Jantar Mantar in large numbers," he said, stressing that the protest must remain peaceful regardless of the restrictions or police action.
He also cautioned supporters about the possibility of anti-social elements entering the gathering and urged participants to remain vigilant against attempts to disrupt the demonstration.
The CJP founder maintained that the movement was seeking free and fair elections and that its demands included Kumar's resignation, scrapping the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and establishing a neutral procedure for appointing Election Commissioners.
Protest to proceed despite police curbs
Delhi Police have denied permission for the demonstration, citing the organisers' late application, concerns over public safety and alleged non-compliance with lawful directions during previous gatherings. The CJP has disputed the restrictions, maintaining that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest venue and that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Security arrangements have been intensified across Delhi, with restrictions on public transport and additional police deployments ahead of Saturday's gathering. Dipke has criticised the measures, arguing that they would inconvenience ordinary commuters and prevent supporters from reaching the capital.
His latest appeal came hours before the scheduled demonstration, with the CJP maintaining that the protest would proceed despite the possibility of arrests and other police action.