‘Pack your bags’: What Saurav Das told Delhi Police before Oct 10 protest

New Delhi is again set to see a major protest over the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener and spokesperson Saurav Das on October 7 formally informed Delhi Police about the party's planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.

Das visited Parliament Street Police Station and submitted a written notification about the proposed gathering. He said the party expects a large number of people and asked the police to make arrangements for law and order and traffic management.

However, there is an important development. Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed October 10 protest, according to multiple reports. The CJP, meanwhile, has questioned why permission should be required for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

What Did Saurav Das Say?

After submitting the formal notice, Das urged supporters and young people to join the October 10 mobilisation.

His message was direct: “Pack your bags. It will be a long fight.”

Das said the protest was not only about the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. He said the CJP also wanted wider reforms in the Election Commission.

He further said that even if Kumar resigns, the movement would continue until the group believes that systemic reforms are addressed. These are CJP's stated demands and political claims, not established findings by a court or election authority.

Why Is CJP Protesting Against Gyanesh Kumar?

The October 10 protest comes amid a larger political controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The CJP has alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll process and has demanded action against Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission, however, has rejected suggestions of a split within the three-member poll panel and has maintained that decisions related to SIR were taken unanimously.

The wider controversy has also seen protests by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in Delhi and other parts of the country.

What Are CJP's Three Main Demands?

The CJP has described three demands as non-negotiable for its October 10 agitation.

1. Resignation of Gyanesh Kumar

The group wants Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. It has also demanded criminal proceedings against him.

These are demands made by the CJP and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.

2. Action Over SIR

The CJP wants the SIR exercise to be frozen and has called for an inquiry into decisions taken during the electoral-roll revision process.

The group has also demanded restoration of the January 2025 voter list and a halt to upcoming elections until its concerns are addressed.

3. Change In The ECI Appointment System

The group has also demanded changes to the law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners.

It wants what it describes as a more independent and credible selection process for members of the Election Commission.

Why Did Saurav Das Go To Delhi Police?

Das said the formal notification was submitted so that there would be no dispute later about whether the authorities had been informed about the planned gathering.

According to reports, the CJP also gave an undertaking and completed the formalities discussed with the police.

But the situation changed after the police denied permission for the October 10 protest.

Das questioned the need for police permission at Jantar Mantar, arguing that the police should focus on maintaining public order, ensuring safety and managing traffic.

Delhi Police Denies Permission: What Happens Next?

The denial of permission has added another layer to the October 10 protest.

The CJP has indicated that it still intends to mobilise people in Delhi. Earlier, CJP leaders had said that the protest would go ahead even if permission was denied.

CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka told The Indian Express that the group would proceed with its march and said protesters would remain at the place where they were stopped.

This means the October 10 mobilisation could become a major test for both the organisers and Delhi authorities.

What Is The Background To The Current Protest?

The October 10 protest is part of a wider campaign against Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission.

On October 2, protests were held in Delhi and Mumbai over the issue. In Delhi, hundreds of protesters were detained during demonstrations, while police also registered FIRs following clashes and other incidents.

The controversy has continued to grow, with opposition parties and youth groups also organising protests.

Reuters reported that protests demanding Kumar's resignation had spread in Delhi and Mumbai, with demonstrators raising allegations about voter-roll changes. The Election Commission and BJP have rejected the allegations.

Why Is October 10 Important?

The October 10 protest is important because CJP is presenting it as a larger youth mobilisation rather than only a party event.

Saurav Das said the movement would involve young people from across the country. The CJP has also appealed to student organisations and other groups to participate.

The party's founder, Abhijeet Dipke, has separately urged people across political affiliations to join the Jantar Mantar protest.

What Has Saurav Das Said About The Future Of The Protest?

Das has made it clear that the CJP wants the campaign to continue beyond a single demonstration.

His “pack your bags” message was linked to his claim that the fight would be long. He said that even if Gyanesh Kumar resigns, the group would continue seeking changes in the Election Commission.

The statement shows that the October 10 event is being presented by the CJP as part of a broader campaign rather than a one-day protest.