Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has responded to the burning of a giant cockroach effigy during Dussehra celebrations in Delhi, thanking the organisers for what he described as “free publicity”.

A 30-foot cockroach effigy was burned alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad at the DDA ground in Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, on Tuesday evening. The unusual addition attracted attention on social media, with many interpreting it as a reference to Dipke’s pressure group.

Dipke shared a video of the effigy on X and responded with a brief message thanking those behind the display for the publicity.

Why was a cockroach effigy burned in Delhi?

The Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee, which organised the event, said the cockroach effigy was intended to highlight the problem of filth and encourage cleanliness.

Ashok Goel Devraha, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Model Town MLA and president of the committee, said the initiative was aimed at raising awareness about unhygienic conditions and associated health problems.

He maintained that the effigy was not intended as a dig at any individual, political party, institution or organisation. The organisers said the initiative supported the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns.

The display came amid speculation online that the cockroach was a reference to the Cockroach Janta Party, which has been involved in protests against the Centre.

CJP leaders react to the effigy

Ratna Singh, the CJP’s head of legal affairs, also criticised the move in posts on X. Describing the episode as a “tamasha”, she suggested that the display reflected concern over the group’s growing impact.

In another post, Singh said burning a cockroach effigy during Dussehra showed that the ruling party was rattled, adding that the group appeared to be viewed as a competitor.

Her remarks reflected the group’s interpretation of the display, while the organisers denied that it was aimed at any political organisation.

CJP’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner

The effigy controversy comes as the Cockroach Janta Party continues its agitation against the Centre, including its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Dipke has faced detention amid the group’s protests this month. Two of its members, spokesperson Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have also been in custody since October 13 in connection with an alleged violation of a peace bond signed with the authorities.

In a video message, Dipke acknowledged the difficulties faced by the group’s volunteers and their families during the agitation. He urged supporters to spend time with their families during the festive period.

The cockroach effigy has consequently become another point of public attention surrounding the group, with Dipke presenting the incident as publicity and the organisers maintaining that their message was about cleanliness.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the relationship between India and the United States as one marked by an “extraordinary alignment” on important national interests, while acknowledging that the two countries may disagree on certain matters.

Speaking at a ‘Freedom 250’ reception in Mumbai on Tuesday during his visit to India, Rubio said the partnership between the two countries could play a significant role in shaping the 21st century. He emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two nations on issues that affect their respective national interests.

Rubio highlights shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific

Rubio identified the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific as a key area of common ground between New Delhi and Washington. He said both countries had an interest in ensuring that no nation claimed dominance over international shipping routes.

He acknowledged that disagreements between countries were inevitable but said the alignment between India and the US on core issues remained significant, particularly given the size and influence of both nations.

Rubio also described India as a powerful, influential and advanced country, calling it a strong geopolitical partner for the United States.

India-US relationship could shape the 21st century

Rubio said the partnership between the two countries could help shape the course of the coming decades. He pointed to shared values, including individual dignity, democratic principles and the rule of law, as common ground between the two nations.

He also noted that decisions being taken today on geopolitics, economics, trade and commerce would have consequences for future generations.

The US Secretary of State said he believed the relationship between India and the United States could positively influence what the 21st century looks like.

Trade ties remain an important part of the relationship

Rubio’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions between India and the United States over trade and other bilateral issues.

Earlier on Tuesday, he said the two countries were very close to signing a bilateral trade agreement, with a small number of outstanding points still to be resolved.

Trade relations have faced challenges over tariffs, India’s purchases of Russian oil and US immigration policies. Despite these differences, Rubio’s comments underscored Washington’s emphasis on the broader strategic partnership with New Delhi.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has come under fire from BJP leaders over a social media post referring to the reported burning of Albania’s Supreme Court. His remarks, in which he suggested that countries should learn from the unrest in Albania, particularly India, triggered accusations that he was encouraging disorder and threatening constitutional institutions.

The BJP criticised Raut’s comments and demanded an apology. The controversy prompted the Rajya Sabha MP to clarify his position, asserting that he has faith in India’s Supreme Court and believes the judiciary can play a crucial role in safeguarding the country.

What Sanjay Raut said about Albania

In a post on X on October 19, Raut referred to reports of the Supreme Court building in Albania being set on fire during protests. He claimed that people were angry because the court was helping a prime minister facing corruption allegations.

Raut also referred to attacks on Albania’s parliament, government offices and ministers’ residences. He said countries should draw lessons from these developments, specifically referring to India.

His remarks drew criticism from BJP leaders, who interpreted the post as an inappropriate comparison between the unrest in Albania and India’s political and judicial institutions.

BJP leaders demand an apology

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan strongly criticised Raut’s language, describing it as indefensible and accusing him of making remarks that threatened India’s constitutional institutions.

Kesavan compared the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader to Mir Jafar, accusing him of using language that undermined the country’s institutions and democratic mandate.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya also attacked Raut, alleging that his remarks reflected support for anarchy and that he was targeting constitutional institutions.

Somaiya said the public would not accept attempts to encourage disorder in the country. He also referred to a contempt petition involving Raut in the Supreme Court and said the matter would be addressed there.

The BJP further demanded an apology from Raut, questioning the message conveyed by his reference to the burning of Albania’s Supreme Court.

Sanjay Raut clarifies his position

Responding to the criticism, Raut said his remarks were intended as a warning about the possibility of growing disorder if the current government remained in power.

He urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation and maintained that he had faith in the institution.

Raut said the Supreme Court was the institution capable of saving the nation and argued that the situation could lead to chaos if concerns were not addressed.

His clarification came amid the political row over whether his reference to the unrest in Albania amounted to an endorsement of violent protests in India.

Congress leader Udit Raj backs Raut’s remarks

Congress leader Udit Raj expressed support for Raut’s position and raised questions about bail decisions in prominent cases.

Referring to Umar Khalid, Raj questioned why bail had been denied to him while other individuals had received bail. He argued that courts should provide reasoned orders explaining such decisions.

His comments added a judicial dimension to the political debate surrounding Raut’s remarks.

Shiv Sena leader rejects the prospect of violence

Shiv Sena leader Anand Dubey also responded to the controversy, rejecting any suggestion that India should experience violence, arson or widespread disorder similar to incidents reported in other countries.

Invoking the occasion of Vijayadashami, Dubey said that righteousness, justice and truth ultimately prevailed over their opposites.

He asserted that India would not descend into conditions involving violence and destruction, referring to unrest in countries including Albania, France, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

The remarks highlighted the political disagreement over how unrest abroad should be interpreted in the Indian context.

The controversy has centred on Raut’s reference to Albania’s unrest, the BJP’s accusations and the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP’s subsequent clarification that he continues to have faith in the Supreme Court.