Internet shut down, security tightened in New Delhi ahead of Cockroach Party protest

Ahead of a protest planned by India's Cockroach Janata Party in New Delhi on Saturday, the Union Home Ministry has decided to suspend internet services in parts of the capital.

Per the ministry's order, internet will remain shut from 10 pm today until 10 pm tomorrow in an area of about 4 kilometers around the intersection connecting Janpath and Kartavya Path.

Even before that, authorities had decided to close about 57 Delhi Metro stations and cancel dozens of trains. More than 20,000 police and paramilitary security personnel have been deployed in the capital ahead of the protest.

The party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the special revision of the voter list. The Election Commission has said the process was carried out to remove duplicate names and ineligible voters.

Delhi Police has not granted permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar. Party co-convener Saurav Das remarked on social media platform X that the Indian government itself was under lockdown. Founder Abhijit Deepke urged supporters to remain firm on their demand and participate peacefully even if he is arrested. Another co-convener, Ashutosh Ranka, claimed the movement would make history.