New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Central Government after party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody and lodged in Tihar Jail following their arrest in connection with an alleged trespass at Jantar Mantar. In a video message posted on social media, Dipke claimed the two leaders were fully aware they could face arrest but proceeded with their protest while carrying the Indian national flag. He alleged that the action against them reflected an increasing intolerance toward public dissent.

Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, Dipke challenged the government to “officially declare an Emergency” if protests and dissent were no longer going to be tolerated. He accused the government of using law enforcement to suppress opposition voices and alleged that even displaying the national flag had been treated as an offence. Dipke further claimed that the country was witnessing restrictions on democratic expression and urged the government to openly acknowledge its position instead of, in his words, “hiding behind the police.”

The remarks came a day after Delhi Police arrested Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka over an attempt to enter Jantar Mantar, shortly after the Union Home Ministry de-notified the historic site as a designated protest venue. A court subsequently sent both leaders to judicial custody. The incident has triggered political reactions from several opposition leaders, who have criticized the arrests, while authorities maintain that legal action was taken in accordance with existing laws governing access to restricted areas and public order.