The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a fresh protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke made the announcement following the group’s October 2 protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where demonstrators demanded Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Dipke said protesters from across India would march to Delhi and hold a peaceful demonstration. The announcement comes amid wider protests and political debate over electoral-roll revisions and concerns about electoral transparency. (PC: AP)

Thousands of protesters gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, October 2, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the demonstration featured colourful placards with slogans such as “Gyanu Must Go”, “Democracy Saaf” and the Bollywood-inspired “Vote Churaya Mera, Kisne O Sanam?”. Protesters raised concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and called for greater transparency. Actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, singer Vishal Dadlani and activist Tushar Gandhi attended the gathering. Student groups and political outfits also joined the protest, while police maintained heavy security around Shivaji Park. (PC: India Today)

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), warned of larger protests across India while addressing a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai. Dipke said the number of people joining the movement would be so large that police barricades would not be enough. The protest at Shivaji Park focused on alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. CJP has demanded Kumar’s resignation, claiming the exercise threatens voters’ rights. Actor Shabana Azmi also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of protecting voting rights. Similar protests were reported in Delhi. (PC: Economic Times)

A woman was allegedly stripped and assaulted at a nightclub in Guwahati’s Khanapara area in the early hours of Friday, October 2. The incident reportedly took place at Locals Cafe and Lounge. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show the woman lying on the floor while 2 women kick her, with several men standing nearby. People present at the venue alleged that male and female bouncers were involved in the assault. The woman’s identity has not been established. Guwahati Police have registered a case, and the nightclub’s manager has been detained for questioning. The circumstances leading to the incident remain under investigation. (PC: X)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, held a protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, according to PTI. The demonstration was planned on Gandhi Jayanti and was announced as the beginning of a wider nationwide campaign. Dipke had said the movement would subsequently be taken to other cities before culminating in a larger protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Security arrangements were strengthened in and around Dadar ahead of the demonstration, including additional deployment at Dadar railway station. The report describes the protest as part of CJP’s planned nationwide campaign. (PC: X)

The Indian rupee is facing pressure from foreign portfolio outflows, stronger dollar demand and rising global bond yields, moving towards 97 per dollar. SBI Research has called for “protective guardrails” against speculative forces and said risks have tilted towards a 25-basis-point rate hike at the October 5-7 monetary policy meeting. The report cited broadening inflation, global macroeconomic conditions and renewed risk repricing. CPI inflation rose to 4.82% in August, while September inflation is projected at 5.65% and October-November inflation above 6.5%. SBI expects core surplus liquidity to decline sharply by March 2027. It also flagged weak monsoon conditions and risks to Rabi output and food inflation amid continued global economic uncertainty. (PC: X)

Gujarat has moved to implement a Uniform Civil Code after President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Gujarat UCC Bill, 2026, making it the second state after Uttarakhand to enact UCC legislation. BJP spokesperson Anil Patel said the Bill would now become an Act, describing it as a step towards women’s empowerment and equality. The legislation covers matters including marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships. Patel also cited BR Ambedkar’s views on a Uniform Civil Code to ensure equality. The Gujarat Assembly had passed the Bill in March before sending it for presidential consideration. Uttarakhand implemented its UCC in January 2025. Several other states have discussed or examined introducing similar legislation. (PC: X)

Delhi Police detained more than 700 protesters, including AAP leaders and members of AISA, SFI, NSUI and other student organisations, during a demonstration near Jantar Mantar on October 2. The protesters were demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged deletion of voters’ names. Police said permission for the gathering had not been granted and imposed prohibitory orders, barricades and additional security around the area. AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha and Atishi were among those detained. Several central Delhi Metro stations were also temporarily closed.

India’s Gen Z-led “cockroach” protest movement is preparing to return to the streets, according to the BBC, this time focusing on electoral reforms and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of irregularities involving voter rolls, allegations the authorities have disputed. The planned demonstrations reflect continuing political debate over the transparency and credibility of India’s electoral processes. Protesters are expected to press for changes they say would strengthen electoral accountability and voter protections. The movement previously gained attention for mobilising young people around governance and democratic issues. 

Delhi Police tightened security around Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, after student groups and activists called for a protest seeking accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS across New Delhi. Barricades and additional security personnel, including central forces, were deployed around the area. Roads and several Metro station entry and exit points were also restricted, with commuters advised to use alternative routes and follow police instructions.