‘Even During Emergency, Trains Ran on Time’: CJP’s Abhijit Dipke Slams Delhi Restrictions

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke has criticised restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of a planned protest on October 10, questioning the cancellation of trains and the barricading of parts of the national capital.

Dipke described the situation as a restriction on citizens’ rights and compared it with the Emergency period, making the remark that even during the Emergency, “at least trains were running on time”.

The planned protest is linked to demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Dipke said the demonstration would go ahead despite obstacles posed by the police.

Abhijit Dipke Questions Delhi Restrictions

Dipke criticised what he described as the government's contradictory approach to public protests and inconvenience to commuters.

He referred to the denial of permission for the CJP's October 2 protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, which authorities had reportedly rejected on the grounds that the demonstration could inconvenience the public.

Questioning that decision, Dipke asked why the cancellation of trains and restrictions on roads, metro services and other transport facilities in Delhi would not similarly inconvenience the public.

He accused the government of hypocrisy, arguing that restrictions justified on public convenience in one situation appeared inconsistent with the measures being taken in Delhi.

Protest Planned Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

The October 10 demonstration is connected to the Opposition's campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the revision of electoral rolls under the SIR process.

The article refers to concerns over the deletion of more than 13 crore names from draft voter rolls during the revision exercise.

Dipke criticised the restrictions surrounding the planned protest and accused the Centre of being afraid of its own citizens.

He also said that the protest would continue regardless of police obstacles, signalling that the organisers intended to proceed with their demonstration.

CJP Founder Compares Situation With Emergency

In his remarks, Dipke invoked the Emergency to underline his criticism of the restrictions affecting movement and public demonstrations.

His statement about trains running on time during the Emergency was used to question the cancellation of trains to Delhi ahead of the planned protest.

He argued that restricting transport and access to parts of the capital raised questions about citizens' ability to participate in demonstrations.

The comparison formed a central part of his criticism of the government's handling of the situation.

CJP Says Protest Will Go Ahead

Dipke maintained that the planned protest would proceed despite possible police obstacles. According to the report, his aides also said they were prepared to be arrested.

The comments came a day before the scheduled Jantar Mantar protest, adding to the political debate over restrictions imposed ahead of the demonstration.

The dispute centres on the balance between public order, transport arrangements and the right to protest. Dipke's remarks questioned whether measures taken in the name of preventing public inconvenience were being applied consistently.

The CJP founder's statements have brought attention to the planned protest, the train cancellations and the wider campaign concerning the Election Commission and the SIR voter-roll revision.