A protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar this Saturday, with the Left, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressing their support. The demonstration is directed against the functioning of the Election Commission under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. While AAP and Left parties have confirmed their attendance, the stance of the Trinamool Congress remained partially uncertain as of Friday evening.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has publicly announced his participation, stating that he and his family will join the protest at Jantar Mantar. The Left parties, including the CPM, CPI, CPI(ML)L, RSP, and the All India Forward Bloc, issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to the event and underscoring the right to assemble as a fundamental democratic right. CPM general secretary MA Baby confirmed the Left’s intent to be present in full force.
In contrast, the Congress party has distanced itself from the upcoming demonstration. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to be in Chennai for a separate event, 'Chhatron Ki Goonj,' on the same day. The Congress has not indicated any plans to join the CJP-led stir.
Ahead of the planned gathering, legal challenges have emerged regarding administrative restrictions. CPM general secretary MA Baby filed a petition in the Supreme Court to contest limitations imposed on the protest. Simultaneously, TMC national spokesperson Saket Gokhale addressed a letter to the acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, seeking intervention regarding the cancellation of railway services and the closure of metro stations in the capital. The TMC has officially extended its support to the CJP’s call for free and fair elections, with Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien also voicing his backing for the cause.
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