Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday that the national capital “will not be held hostage” after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders and several former chief ministers were detained before the youth group’s planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar. She also accused the group of being the AAP’s “B-Team”.
Around 41,000 security personnel were deployed across Delhi on Saturday to prevent the protest seeking chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The security operation resulted in the detention of 7,000 people and left large parts of the city deserted, HT reported earlier.
Rekha Gupta targets CJP, Opposition
In a post on X, Gupta alleged that Gandhi and Kejriwal, whom she said had been rejected by the public, were trying to turn Delhi into a battleground with the help of their "B-Team".
Deep Dive
Why did the Cockroach Janta Party protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar?
Why did Delhi Police deny permission for the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar?
When did the CJP plan to resume its Jantar Mantar protest?
"Why are these leaders so hell-bent on venting frustration over their nonstop defeats on the public? What offence have residents of Delhi committed to be tormented by the chaos on the streets?" she wrote.
She said her party would strongly oppose politics “of spreading anarchy under the guise of democracy and challenging the people's mandate”. Gupta also accused Kejriwal of putting Delhi’s safety and peace at risk for his "political self-interest".
{{/usCountry}}She said her party would strongly oppose politics “of spreading anarchy under the guise of democracy and challenging the people's mandate”. Gupta also accused Kejriwal of putting Delhi’s safety and peace at risk for his "political self-interest".
{{/usCountry}}“Let it be known: Delhi will not be held hostage,” she wrote.
In a separate post on X, Gupta described the scenes on Delhi’s streets as "extremely unfortunate". She accused the Congress, AAP, the Left and the CJP of creating "havoc" in the name of protests.
She also praised the Delhi Police and security personnel for managing the situation with “responsibility and prudence”.
Congress hits back
Congress spokesperson and social media head Supriya Shrinate hit back at Gupta, questioning her over the alleged mistreatment of women protesters on Saturday. HT had earlier reported that groups of men linked to right-wing organisations threatened and assaulted protesters and journalists in Connaught Place and near the MCD Civic Centre.
“Have you lost your mind? Did you see the mistreatment of the girls? What are you thanking the Delhi Police for? For beating the country's youth like monsters? For remaining silent spectators in front of the goons? You are the female chief minister of Delhi. Don't become a cheap troll,” Shrinate wrote.
Notably, the CJP has vowed to continue its protests over alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls until the CEC resigns. The party has announced another demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi at 10 am on Sunday.