Tens of thousands of security personnel deploy before Delhi protest

Authorities in Delhi have deployed tens of thousands of security personnel ahead of a planned march on Saturday, BBC News and CNA reported. BBC News said police have denied permission for the demonstration, which is led by the Gen Z cockroach movement. [1][4]

To prevent demonstrators from gathering, authorities have shut dozens of metro stations and cancelled several trains to Delhi, according to BBC News. News18 reported that police are prepared with drones and facial recognition systems. [1][5]

BBC News reported that protesters are demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of manipulating voters' lists. The Election Commission has denied the claims, and Kumar has not commented on the demand to resign. [1]

Around Prague reported that the movement claimed thousands were detained before the rally. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Cockroach Janta Party was founded on May 16, 2026, by Abhijeet Dipke and began as a satirical campaign before turning into a broader political movement. [3][9]