Thousands of security personnel deployed as Delhi braces for ‘cockroach’ protest

Parts of the Indian capital, Delhi, have been turned into a fortress, with tens of thousands of security forces deployed, as the influential Gen Z-led “cockroach” movement has called for a major protest on Saturday.

The protesters are seeking electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of manipulating voters’ lists.

The Election Commission has denied this and Kumar is yet to comment on the resignation demand.

Police say they have denied permission for the gathering and all roads leading to Jantar Mantar, the main protest venue, have been closed with huge metal barricades.

Several trains to Delhi have been cancelled and police have ordered dozens of metro stations shut to prevent protesters from gathering.

But Abhijeet Dipke, founder ⁠of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) – the online satirical movement that is spearheading the protests – has said the CJP will march to Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning “come what may”.

“If you want to jail us or even shoot us we are prepared,” he added, addressing ​Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X.