‘Demanding Answers Is Not Anarchy’: Abhijeet Dipke Hits Out at Delhi’s Protest Curbs

October 16, 2026

New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke has defended the party’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally in Delhi, saying that questioning the government and protesting against injustice are democratic rights, not acts of anarchy. His remarks came as authorities tightened restrictions around Connaught Place ahead of the planned gathering at Central Park on Friday.

In a post on X, Dipke rejected the argument that peaceful protests hurt businesses. He said traders and the public faced greater difficulties when authorities restricted movement, shut down parts of a city or suspended internet services.

But they are not thinking about it,

They must have to think what government have done with them.

— Cockroaches of India (@CJP_for_India) October 16, 2026

Dipke said CJP had followed the path of peace and non-violence at protests held in Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Nagpur. He also claimed that he had been assaulted in Jaipur but chose not to retaliate, arguing that violence had no place in the party’s approach.

He said the party preferred to exercise its constitutional rights rather than resort to physical force, invoking the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar.

Dipke Accuses Those in Power of Double Standards

The CJP activist also criticised attempts to portray protesters as anarchists simply for questioning the government. He argued that demanding answers from public officials and taking to the streets against injustice were legitimate democratic activities.

Dipke pointed out that the party currently in power had itself organised protests and challenged governments while in opposition. He said it was hypocritical to treat demonstrations as a democratic right when out of power but as a threat to public order after forming a government.

He added that an electoral mandate did not give any administration the right to silence citizens. According to Dipke, governments elected by the people remained accountable to them even after elections were over.

Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory Ahead of CJP Rally

Dipke’s remarks came as security arrangements were strengthened around Connaught Place ahead of the proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally at Central Park.

The Delhi Traffic Police said traffic on some roads in and around Connaught Place was likely to be affected from 3 pm on October 16. In an advisory posted on X on Thursday, commuters were asked to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time and use public transport wherever possible. Traffic diversions could be introduced depending on the situation.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) also announced that Central Park would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons.

Delhi Police said a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was already in force in Connaught Place and the surrounding areas. The police had also assured the Delhi High Court that all possible measures under the law would be taken to address concerns surrounding the proposed CJP protest.