Activist Manish Brahmbhatt has launched the Cockroach Janta Party-Democratic (CJP-D) as an alternative to the existing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Brahmbhatt alleges that the CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, has deviated from its student-led origins, becoming too aligned with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and failing to represent its diverse volunteer base, particularly regarding issues like examination paper leaks.
Six US Democratic lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar, have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address alleged excessive force during student protests in India and concerns over voter purges during his upcoming visit. They also accused Indian diplomatic missions of surveillance of protesters in the US and called for investigations into human rights violations and potential arms sales implications.
Amid the ongoing protests in the national capital, the Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), Delhi Pradesh, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, appealing for political demonstrations in the capital to be postponed until January 31, 2027, citing the festival and wedding season.
Talks between the Union home ministry and Ladakh leaders ended without a breakthrough in Leh, with the two sides expressing differences over a draft proposal on constitutional safeguards and a legislature for the Union Territory.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging Section 16 of the 2023 election law, which grants immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners from civil and criminal proceedings for actions taken in their official capacity. This provision is being contested as unconstitutional, with petitioners arguing it provides "unprecedented, unbridled power" and blanket immunity for life.
Kerala-born Nithya Raman is currently leading incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race following a recent televised debate. The two Democrats sparred over critical issues like homelessness and public safety. If elected in the November 3 polls, Raman would be the first Indian-American Mayor of Los Angeles.
A new political outfit, the 'Lal Hit Janata Party', has emerged in Delhi, staging a counter-protest against alleged abuse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attacks on police.
Harvard trained lawyer Shahdan Farasat's detention by the Delhi police at Saturday's protest has ignited a crucial debate on the shrinking space for peaceful dissent and the protection of democratic rights.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that banning protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar would lead to nationwide agitations. He stated that CJP leaders were detained on Tuesday morning after attempting to protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Dipke accused the government of suppressing democratic dissent and vowed to continue the protest.
Opposition leaders from CPI-M and AAP faced detention in Delhi and Chandigarh while protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over serious allegations of voter-list manipulation and suppression of democratic rights.
India has strongly rejected a report by a UN human rights expert, Gina Romero, which claimed that young people in India face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. India's First Secretary Anuj Swarup labelled the report as "hearsay" based on "anonymous and unverified claims," asserting that it does a disservice to the expert's mandate. Swarup highlighted India's constitutional freedoms, independent judiciary, and government's proactive engagement with youth, citing examples like the amendment to the Public Examinations Act and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh has accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to instigate a 'Bangladesh-like regime change' in India, leveraging youth energy for political confrontation and anarchy, rather than constructive nation-building.
Former President Donald Trump's recent deal with Russia to supply diesel to the US and global markets has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp criticism from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Democratic leaders, and a segment of Republicans, despite the US Treasury lifting sanctions on Russian diesel supplies.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student organisations have accused the government of attempting to influence electoral outcomes by allegedly deleting over 13 crore voters. They have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in voter rolls and criticising the police crackdown on protesters. Leaders questioned the government's protection of the CEC and linked voter deletions to the narrow victory margin in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Members of the Students Federation of India and the Democratic Youth Federation of India staged a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on October 2, 2026.
US President Donald Trump has defended a controversial diesel deal with Russia, stating it aims to stabilise the global market despite bipartisan criticism from US lawmakers. The deal, which eases sanctions on Russian diesel shipments until April 2027, has been criticised as a "gift to our adversary" that finances Russia's war efforts and offers little relief to Americans.
Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and other members for allegedly trespassing into the Jantar Mantar area, which was recently denotified as a protest site. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has condemned the detentions as 'kidnapping' and questioned the legality of preventing lawyers from meeting the detained members.
The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.
Several prominent INDIA bloc leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee, were detained by Delhi Police on Saturday while attempting to protest at Jantar Mantar. They were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, with leaders condemning the detentions as an attack on democracy.
A recent IIT Indore study highlights the evolving landscape of protest sites in Delhi, from Rajpath to Jantar Mantar, and now to more distant locations like Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground. This shift, driven by authorities, raises concerns about the visibility, accessibility, and effectiveness of democratic protests, as moving demonstrations further away from power centres can diminish their impact and public engagement.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's past meetings with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak have come under scrutiny following criticism of Burnham's initial response to the club's financial rule breaches.
The Supreme Court has granted the Centre an extension until October 15 to file its response on petitions concerning the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services in Delhi during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court also deferred a crucial hearing, issued notice on a petition challenging the immunity of election commissioners, and sought a Delhi Police officer's presence regarding alleged assaults on women journalists. Earlier, the court had directed authorities to ensure normal public transport and prevent unlawful detentions.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced he will publish details of his interactions with Manchester City. This decision follows criticism from opposition politicians regarding his response to the club being found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. City has appealed the ruling, which alleges the club inflated revenue and understated costs by over 900 million.
Hundreds of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters and student activists held flash protests across Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar, and Mandi House on Friday, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations, which included slogans, placards, and participation from student bodies and Left leaders, led to significant police deployment, disruption of commercial activity, and the detention of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. Police had denied permission for the planned 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march, citing prohibitory orders.
AJUP chief and Naoda MLA Humayun Kabir has hinted at quitting electoral politics and his assembly membership after his arrest during the Rejinagar bypoll. Kabir, who claims the BJP will win Rejinagar due to a "looted mandate," expressed disillusionment with the democratic system and vowed not to attend the state assembly as long as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is in office. He also alleged betrayal by Adhikari regarding his son's bypoll prospects.
When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and members of the INDIA bloc, have strongly condemned the arrest and jailing of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for protesting at Jantar Mantar, asserting that waving the national flag and peaceful protest are not crimes.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's decision to skip the BRICS summit in India, calling it "immature" and detrimental to Bangladesh's national interest. She argued that the absence lost opportunities for economic development and that foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations. Hasina also highlighted the current "grave national crisis" in Bangladesh and her intention to return to restore democracy.
Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in New Delhi, is facing de-notification by Delhi Police, raising concerns about its future as a space for public dissent. The site has been central to numerous significant movements, from Anna Hazare's anti-corruption fast and the Nirbhaya protests to recent agitations over NEET paper leaks and wrestlers' grievances. Its proximity to power centres made it a crucial platform for citizens to voice concerns and demand accountability, a role now threatened by its potential loss of status.
A group of 124 former IAS, IFS, IPS, and allied services officers have issued an open letter defending the Election Commission (EC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. They argue that the electoral system cannot be deemed rigged only when a party loses, citing instances where the ruling BJP lost elections under the same EC. The officers highlight the legitimacy and necessity of the SIR for cleaning voter rolls and underscore the robust safeguards within India's electoral system.
The Delhi Police informed the High Court that Jantar Mantar was denotified as a protest site based on Supreme Court directions, a revelation made during a hearing on a plea by the Indian Youth Congress seeking protest permission. The court issued notice on the IYC's request for reconsideration and broader issues concerning protest regulation, while new sites have been designated.
The Election Commission of India clarified its position after INDIA bloc MPs marched to its office, stating that no formal appointment was sought until late afternoon. The EC later declined a request to meet 240 MPs at the Parliament House Annexe, citing protocol that meetings must be held at the EC premises. The incident involved a protest march led by Rahul Gandhi and a standoff with police.
Pramod Kumar, Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), has accused President Ajay Singh and Executive Director Col. Arun Malik of "criminal intimidation" to prevent a no-confidence motion against Singh. Kumar alleges a governance breakdown, threats to state units, and revocation of his email access, while Malik dismisses all charges as baseless.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on October 16 concerning the right to peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. The plea seeks directions to authorities to permit demonstrations and declare peaceful protest as part of free speech, following recent protests and alleged police actions. Another PIL regarding assaults on protesters was adjourned to November.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.
Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
Formula One will return to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda securing a 10-year deal to host a Grand Prix from the early 2030s, promising tourism, investment and jobs.
BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi emphasized the importance of fair elections, transparent bureaucracy, and constitutional adherence for a functioning democracy. His comments come amidst opposition protests led by the INDIA bloc, alleging irregularities in electoral roll revisions and demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
Congress leaders have accused the Haryana Police of illegally detaining 18 municipal councillors from Rajasthan's Tijara in Panchkula, allegedly to prevent them from voting in a crucial municipal council chairperson election. While police deny the claims, Congress has staged protests, calling the incident a "murder of democracy" and demanding a high-level inquiry into the alleged political interference.
