At least 2,000 protesters have been detained by police and paramilitary personnel in Delhi, India, following a protest movement by the country’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party. They’re demanding the resignation of the chief election commissioner over a revision of voter lists that critics say benefits Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling BJP party disproportionately.
Modi assumed office as India’s prime minister in May 2014, and is currently serving his third consecutive term after winning the 2024 general election.
The demonstrations represent one of Modi’s most serious tests yet, with critics saying the deletions of voters affected the outcome of recent state elections won by the BJP and cast a shadow over voting in the world’s largest democracy.
Cockroach Janta Party’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, and other senior leaders, who were detained upon arriving in Delhi for the protests, say they will now lead a nationwide “peaceful” protest movement until the chief election commissioner resigns, adding: “We do not fear your dictatorship”.
The BJP says its electoral success reflects Modi’s popularity and India’s economic growth, and accuses opposition parties of spreading misinformation.
SBS News is Australia’s trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world.
Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews
Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe
For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news
Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms
Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy
Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints
