NEW DELHI: Leaders of India's youth-led "cockroach" movement on Sunday pledged to press on with protests against the country's election commissioner, hours after they were released from detention, as authorities sought to thwart major demonstrations in New Delhi. The rallies in the capital come after weeks of opposition mobilisation following allegations of misconduct during a nationwide voter roll revision that critics say could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party.
The Election Commission of India, which oversees the voting process in the world's most populous nation, has denied wrongdoing. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and two other leaders were released Sunday, one day after they were detained when they landed in New Delhi to take part in a protest at the Jantar Mantar site in the heart of the city.
Thousands of protesters have been detained since Saturday, according to the group and media reports. "We will not back down," Saurav Das, another top CJP leader, told reporters after his release.
"We urge people to come out and carry out peaceful protests," he added, vowing to continue until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns. Smaller rallies took place in Delhi on Sunday.
Dozens of protesters were detained near Jantar Mantar, which remained blocked off. Police have not commented on the detentions.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said at least 16 journalists had also been detained, calling the police actions "unacceptable". "Covering events of public interest is not a crime," RSF said in a statement.
"It is their job." Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel remained deployed on Sunday, but metro stations reopened and previously restricted mobile services were restored. The Supreme Court, hearing petitions challenging Saturday's detentions and other security measures, directed the authorities to ensure protesters gathering peacefully were not detained illegally.
The court also ordered authorities to ensure there was no disruption to internet connectivity as seen on Saturday. Soon after his release, the CJP's Dipke took aim at Modi, calling him "an embarrassment to India".
"Never has this country seen a bigger coward and bully," he said in a social media post. Political analysts suggest that the "cockroach" movement, named for its resilience and ability to survive in harsh conditions, has struck a chord with India's urban youth.
The movement claims that the voter roll revision was a calculated attempt to disenfranchise specific demographics in key electoral districts. The government, however, maintains that the revision is a routine administrative exercise aimed at updating records.
Tensions remain high as the opposition parties have signaled their intent to join the CJP in a nationwide call for transparency. The coming days are expected to be critical as the Supreme Court continues to monitor the situation.
International observers are closely watching the developments, with several human rights organizations expressing concern over the shrinking space for dissent in the country. The CJP has called for a massive "march to the capital" later this week, testing the resolve of both the protesters and the security apparatus.
As the sun set on Sunday, small groups of activists continued to gather in various parts of the city, chanting slogans against the Election Commission. Despite the heavy security presence, the mood remains defiant, setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation between the youth movement and the state machinery.