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The Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee organised the effigy burning to symbolise filth and promote cleanliness initiatives such as Swachh Bharat. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra attended the event as the chief guest, while BJP MLA Ashok Goel maintained that the act had no political motive.
Following the event, Mishra made a remark suggesting that political “termites” had felt the impact of the effigy burning. His comment added to the controversy surrounding the symbolism of the act.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj subsequently filed a complaint alleging that the effigy burning hurt religious sentiments. The complaint also alleged that the act targeted the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical protest group associated with founder Abhijeet Dipke.
Dipke responded sarcastically, thanking those involved for the publicity generated by the incident. His reaction further drew attention to the dispute surrounding the effigy and its intended message.
The incident prompted divided reactions online. Supporters viewed the cockroach effigy as humorous symbolism linked to cleanliness, while critics described the act as a political stunt carried out during a sacred festival.
The controversy has placed the Dussehra event at the centre of a debate over the interpretation of symbolic effigies, political messaging and the use of religious celebrations for public expression.
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