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Congress Reaches Out To CJP Through Prashant Bhushan Amid Anti-CEC Protests
In Short
Congress has reportedly reached out to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) through advocate Prashant Bhushan, signalling a shift in its stance as Opposition parties intensify protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi
The Congress has reportedly attempted to bring the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) into the Opposition’s protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, reaching out to the group through advocate Prashant Bhushan.
According to people familiar with the developments, Bhushan tried to facilitate the CJP leadership’s participation in a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders hosted by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at his residence on Tuesday evening. However, CJP representatives did not attend the meeting, and the outfit was not formally discussed during the gathering.
The outreach marks a possible shift in the Congress’ approach towards the CJP, which the party had previously described as an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) “proxy” and an activist group rather than a recognised political outfit.
Congress Seeks Wider Support For Anti-CEC Protests
The move comes as the Congress leadership seeks to involve civil society groups, student organisations and other bodies in demonstrations against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
On Monday, Rahul Gandhi sought to present the Opposition’s demonstrations, student agitations and the CJP’s protests as part of a common campaign.
“All protests are one protest. There are no parallel protests. We don’t care who you are,” Gandhi said, referring to the CJP’s efforts as an instance of students attempting to protest.
His remarks were seen as an indication of the Congress’ willingness to accommodate groups that have been demonstrating against the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi Backs CJP Leaders Sent To Judicial Custody
The Congress’ outreach also follows the detention of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were sent to five days of judicial custody over an alleged security breach at Jantar Mantar.
On Wednesday, Gandhi criticised the decision, arguing that peacefully waving the national flag during a protest should not lead to imprisonment.
“What crime did they commit? Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice,” he said.
Gandhi added that students, young people, journalists and INDIA bloc members were participating under different banners but were united by their demand for constitutional rights. He also declared that Jantar Mantar belonged to the people of India and said the Opposition would seek to reclaim the protest site.
Other Opposition Parties Maintain Contact With CJP
A senior Opposition leader said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke contacted a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader after the two CJP representatives were placed under preventive arrest. The TMC leader subsequently coordinated with other Opposition parties to organise a joint condemnation of the action, the report said.
While the Congress had previously expressed scepticism about the CJP, parties including the TMC, AAP and Left bloc have maintained regular contact with the organisation and offered support and coordination.
The latest outreach comes amid broader efforts by Opposition parties to coordinate their protests against the Election Commission and demand accountability over the SIR process.
Although the CJP did not participate in Rahul Gandhi’s meeting, the Congress’ attempt to involve its leadership suggests a possible effort to build a wider coalition around the ongoing demonstrations.
