K Annamalai Criticizes Delhi Police Over CJP Leader Arrests
K Annamalai criticized the Delhi Police for arresting Cockroach Janata Party leaders, arguing that detaining critics instead of answering public queries is a disservice.
Former Tamil Nadu BJP president and "We The Leaders" movement founder K Annamalai criticized the Delhi Police for the arrest and judicial custody of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The leaders were detained for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar, a non-designated protest venue, and obstructing police while protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore on Tuesday, Annamalai stated that the police are doing a "real disservice" by detaining critics rather than addressing public queries regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. While Annamalai noted he may not agree with the CJP's specific tactics or "antics," he defended their democratic right to raise questions and warned that imprisoning leaders could make them more popular.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke condemned the arrests, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hiding behind the police and courts. In separate remarks, Annamalai called for transparency in the delimitation process to ensure fairness for southern Indian states and stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has the right to question the SIR, provided such questioning does not cause institutional damage.
