Last Updated on October 20, 2026 11:03 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter
Signalling a possible pause in protests during the festive season, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters to spend time with their families, remain committed to non-violence and pray for jailed spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das.
In a 16-minute video message issued on Dussehra, Dipke appealed to supporters not to let hatred consume them, asserting that compassion, kindness and love remained the movement’s greatest strengths.
He also became emotional while describing Ranka and Das as the “real leaders” of the movement, crediting them with shaping its direction and decision-making. He rejected comparisons between the CJP protests and violent demonstrations in Nepal, Bangladesh and France, maintaining that the movement had adhered to peaceful methods despite the detention of its members.
Dipke began his message by thanking those who had participated in the protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning his functioning and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The movement’s major protest on October 10 was curtailed amid heavy security deployment and barricading at Jantar Mantar. Thousands of people were detained, including Dipke, Das and Ranka, according to the account.
Ranka and Das were subsequently detained on October 13 for allegedly violating the conditions of a peace bond and were sent to judicial custody for five days on October 14. Their custody was extended by two days on Monday.
Dipke said he had spoken to the families of both spokespersons, who had urged supporters not to worry about their situation.
“I am sure things are as difficult for all of you as they are for Saurav and Ashu (Ashutosh Ranka). I have seen how many volunteers have been beaten up on the streets and detained. But it is more difficult for our families than for us,” he said.
Urging supporters to take a break from street protests, he added, “So now I request all my cockroaches: Spend time with your families for a few days. Festivals are around the corner.”
He called on supporters to remain close to their loved ones, warning that a movement fighting hatred must not allow the same sentiment to take root within its own ranks.
“We are fighting against hatred, we are fighting against the people who have nothing but hatred in their minds. But we also have to ensure that the same hatred does not enter us,” Dipke said, adding that compassion, mutual affection and kindness were the movement’s biggest strengths.
‘Ranka and Das are the real leaders’
Speaking about the jailed spokespersons, Dipke said Ranka had often been described as “soft” but had continued to face court proceedings with a smile despite being in jail.
“There is no fear in him. I always feel that if anyone truly made this movement, then they are Ashu and Saurav. They have played a very big role. I was just following their orders,” he said.
Dipke maintained that although outsiders might perceive him as the movement’s leader, Ranka and Das had played the decisive role in directing its activities.
“They used to tell me that I have to be here or there, and I used to do it quietly. Because I know that their abilities and their decision-making skills are better than mine,” he said.
Describing the two as his brothers, Dipke said his emotional response reflected his concern and affection for them rather than fear.
“Emotions are our strength,” he added.
Rejects comparisons with unrest abroad
Dipke also criticised those comparing the CJP demonstrations with violent unrest in France, Nepal and Bangladesh.
He argued that the conduct of the protesters, particularly the willingness of Ranka and Das to face imprisonment without resorting to violence, demonstrated the movement’s commitment to peaceful resistance.
“The people who have been talking about what’s happening in France for the past few days and comparing it to the protests in India, have some shame. Look at what is happening here. Saurav Das and Ashutosh went to jail with a smile,” he said.
Dipke further asserted that the protesters had chosen peace despite believing that the arrests were unjustified.
“Our people have not been provoked and are still following the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. They will also come out of jail with a smile,” he said.
His message appeared to signal a temporary shift towards restraint during the festive period, while reaffirming the movement’s opposition to the Election Commission’s handling of electoral roll revision and its demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.