AAP seeks FIR over cockroach effigy at Delhi Ramlila, Kapil Mishra hits back

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday filed a complaint with Lieutenant Governor and Delhi Police Commissioner against the organisers of a Ramlila event in Pitampura over the burning of a 30-foot cockroach effigy alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnad, alleging that the act hurt religious sentiments.

Bharadwaj sought registration of an FIR against the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee, Delhi minister and committee member Kapil Mishra, who attended the event as chief guest, and other organisers involved in the programme.

The cockroach effigy was installed at the DDA ground in Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, and was burnt during the Dussehra celebrations on Tuesday evening.

𝗔𝗔𝗣 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘁

In his complaint, Bharadwaj objected to the inclusion of the cockroach effigy in the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony, alleging that the organisers had undermined the religious significance of the festival.

He argued that burning the insect's effigy alongside figures associated with the Ramayana had hurt the sentiments of devotees.

The AAP leader demanded legal action against those responsible and called for the removal of photographs, videos and promotional material related to the effigy from media and social media platforms.

Bharadwaj also warned that he would approach the court if the police failed to register an FIR.

𝗞𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗮 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗔𝗣

Responding to the complaint, Mishra criticised the AAP and questioned why the burning of a cockroach effigy had provoked objections.

"The cockroach effigy is being burnt and those affected by it are termites of the country's politics," Mishra said.

The Delhi minister further alleged that various groups had joined hands to conspire against the country, asserting that the truth would eventually prevail.

His remarks added a political dimension to the controversy, which had already attracted attention because of the recent demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

The Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee defended its decision to include the cockroach effigy, maintaining that it was intended to raise awareness about filth, poor sanitation and health problems associated with insects.

Organisers said the effigy was part of an effort to highlight the importance of cleanliness and public hygiene.

However, its inclusion alongside Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnad drew attention amid the ongoing political controversy surrounding protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The CJP has been holding demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner, and the appearance of the cockroach effigy during the Dussehra programme prompted questions about whether it carried a political message.

The organisers maintained that the installation was aimed at spreading awareness about sanitation.

𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘆

Despite the objections and political exchanges, the 30-foot cockroach effigy was set ablaze during the evening celebrations.

The programme drew a large crowd as spectators gathered to witness the traditional Dussehra festivities.

The controversy has now reached the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi Police Commissioner, with Bharadwaj seeking criminal proceedings against the organisers and those associated with the event.

There was no immediate confirmation that an FIR had been registered in connection with the complaint.