A fresh controversy has emerged ahead of Dussehra celebrations in Delhi after organisers of a Ramlila event in Pitampura announced that a 30-foot cockroach effigy would be burned alongside the traditional effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran. The decision drew attention from the recently formed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), whose founder Abhijeet Dipke reacted by thanking the organisers for what he described as “free publicity.” The unusual addition to the annual celebration quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with many questioning the symbolism and its relevance to the religious festival.

Responding to the development, Dipke said the controversy had only helped bring greater attention to the party, while CJP legal head Ratna Singh dismissed the issue as a “tamasha” (drama). Meanwhile, the Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee clarified that the cockroach effigy was not aimed at any political organisation or individual. According to committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel, the effigy is intended to represent filth and uncleanliness, with the objective of promoting hygiene and supporting the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns. He added that the initiative reflects the broader message of the victory of good over evil while encouraging citizens to maintain cleanliness.

The announcement comes at a time when the Cockroach Janata Party has been actively participating in protests in the national capital, including demonstrations against former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and later campaigns demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The proposed effigy has generated mixed reactions online, with some people supporting the cleanliness message while others believe that introducing contemporary political themes into a traditional Ramlila celebration could overshadow its cultural and religious significance. The debate continues as preparations for the Dussehra festivities move forward.