The installation has triggered reactions on social media, with questions emerging over whether the unusual effigy carries a political message or is intended solely to promote cleanliness. The CJP has been protesting over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process, adding to speculation surrounding the proposed burning of the figure.
CJP leaders responded to the development on social media. Party leader Abhijeet Dipke described the installation as “free publicity”, while the party’s legal head, Ratna Singh, remarked, “Tamasha Kara lo bas is desh mein” (Just keep putting on a spectacle in this country).
Several social media users linked the proposed burning of the cockroach effigy to Dussehra’s theme of the victory of good over evil. Others questioned whether the figure was appropriate for a festival traditionally associated with the burning of Ravana and the triumph of virtue.
The Shree Keshav Ramlila Committee, which erected the structure, has denied that it was intended as a political statement. Committee president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ashok Goel said the cockroach represents filth and dirt, and that burning the effigy is intended to promote cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns.
“Our goal is to eliminate filth from three areas: our homes, our immediate surroundings and society at large,” Goel said.
He added that the committee had used additional effigies in previous years to highlight social concerns, including Naxalism and terrorism.
The explanation has not prevented speculation about a possible political message, given the CJP’s recent activities and its protests over the electoral roll revision process.
Why the CJP Is Protesting
The Cockroach Janata Party has organised demonstrations in the national capital over several issues. Its initial protests targeted former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, after which the group joined calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In June and July, CJP members staged a protest at Jantar Mantar for more than a month before marching towards Parliament on July 20. The group subsequently participated in demonstrations alongside opposition parties and student organisations over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The protests have led to the detention of several activists, students and journalists in Delhi.
Against this backdrop, the proposed burning of the 30-foot cockroach effigy in Pitampura has attracted attention beyond the Dussehra celebrations. While the organising committee maintains that the figure represents the fight against dirt and uncleanliness, its appearance alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad has fuelled debate over its possible significance amid the CJP’s ongoing protests.
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