Delhi becomes a fortress

Parts of India's capital have been sealed off with tens of thousands of security forces deployed ahead of Saturday's major protest by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janata Party movement.

What the protesters want

The movement is demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations he has manipulated voters' lists. Kumar has not yet commented.

The movement's track record

The Cockroach Janata Party brought thousands onto Delhi's streets in July, forcing India's education minister to resign. Saturday's protest is expected to be the biggest in recent times.

Police shut down the capital

All roads to Jantar Mantar, the main protest venue, are blocked with metal barricades. Several trains have been cancelled and dozens of metro stations shut to prevent gatherings.

The CJP will not be stopped

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, said the movement will march to Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning come what may. If you want to jail us or even shoot us we are prepared.

“If you want to jail us or even shoot us we are prepared.”

Police deny permission and cite rules

Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, citing short notice and past non-compliance. Guidelines require applications ten days in advance. The CJP says they only need to inform police, not seek approval.

The voter roll controversy

The Special Intensive Revision began last year and has struck one hundred thirty million names from voters' lists. The Election Commission says it removes duplicates and ineligible entries. Opposition parties allege manipulation.

Opposition escalates standoff

For three days starting Tuesday, police broke up protests by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and other MPs. Videos showed police forcing Gandhi onto a bus and preventing him from climbing out the window.