Delhi Police arrested CJP founder Abhijit Dipke and two associates on Friday night after a surprise raid on their aircraft, which had just landed in New Delhi. The trio, comprising Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were taken into custody inside the plane as it touched down.
In a preemptive move, Dipke filmed a message on Friday night and posted it on X, warning followers that he and his colleagues would be detained. He urged supporters to rally behind Ajinkya Shinde, a rising activist within the CJP, if they watched the video. Shinde, 32, has been active in protests against election reforms and is slated to lead the demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
The protest, scheduled for Saturday at the iconic Jantar Mantar in Delhi, aims to challenge Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's decision to tighten electoral guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections. CJP has accused Kumar of undermining the democratic process; the demonstration will call for the reinstatement of earlier guidelines.
Delhi Police spokesperson Ranjit Kumar said the authorities were monitoring the protest and would ensure public safety. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the detention 'unlawful' and demanded an immediate release of Dipke, Das and Ranka.
With Dipke and his companions held, the protest will proceed under Shinde's leadership, a move that could heighten tensions between the CJP and the Election Commission. Shinde is expected to lead the march from the central stage, while police will maintain a tight perimeter. The outcome of the protest could influence the political climate leading up to the 2027 elections.