By The group held its first membership gathering on Sunday at Malviya Smriti Bhawan in Delhi. Its chief, Ayan Bhatnagar, and other speakers used the event to criticise the CJP, the Congress and those participating in the protests. Their speeches focused on the role of the Election Commission, the political objectives of the demonstrations and the alleged financial impact on traders.
Ayan Bhatnagar Calls for Street-Level Mobilisation
Addressing the gathering, Bhatnagar said the meeting was intended to discuss the organisation’s future strategy and demonstrate its ability to bring people together at short notice. He also questioned how large a crowd could assemble if Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on his supporters to mobilise.
Linking the occasion to Dussehra, which traditionally symbolises the victory of good over evil, Bhatnagar urged people to move beyond social media discussions and participate in public demonstrations. During his speech, he repeatedly used derogatory terms, including “insects” and “cockroaches”, to describe the CJP protesters.
Bhatnagar also raised concerns about the timing of the protests, arguing that the period between Dussehra and Diwali is crucial for businesses. He said disruptions in commercial centres such as Connaught Place would harm traders and alleged that the demonstrations were part of a wider attempt to disturb normal activity in major cities.
Questions Over Demand for CEC’s Resignation
Bhatnagar challenged the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, questioning how street protests could lead to a change of government. Referring to advocate Prashant Bhushan’s remarks about “regime change”, he argued that political disagreements should not undermine confidence in constitutional bodies.
He warned that demands for the CEC’s resignation could eventually be followed by similar calls targeting the Prime Minister. Bhatnagar maintained that the demands of a group should not automatically be accepted simply because a large crowd had gathered.
He also referred to the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner under the 2023 law, arguing that critics should examine the selection procedure and the tenures of previous officeholders before calling for the incumbent to step down.
Group Says Its Aim Is to Protect Democracy
Bhatnagar said the Lal Hit Janata Party had been formed to protect democracy. He alleged that the CJP’s demonstrations were intended to weaken public trust in the police and the Election Commission, and claimed that the Congress and the All India Students’ Association (AISA) supported the protests because they wanted to remove the BJP government.
He also called for government welfare schemes to be assessed on the basis of facts rather than political allegations. The new group’s speakers argued that political activities should not come at the expense of public order or economic activity.
Bhatnagar further criticised alleged misbehaviour towards police personnel and security staff during demonstrations. He said political criticism should not extend to abusing institutions or intimidating those responsible for maintaining law and order. He also warned that his group would work to counter the CJP’s activities, describing Dussehra as the beginning of the rival organisation’s political decline.
Speakers Raise Concerns Over Youth and Business Losses
Kathak dancer Richa Gupta, who attended the gathering, called for greater unity and expressed support for Modi’s leadership. She argued that young people should think critically about the country’s future rather than simply follow the crowd.
Journalist Pawan, another speaker, claimed that the protests had caused business losses of ₹3,000 crore and warned that the figure could rise to ₹10,000 crore. The figures were presented at the event and were not independently substantiated in the material provided. He also used a reference to the insecticide brand Hit while explaining the new group’s name.
Bhatnagar said the organisation had received support from people living in Canada and the United Arab Emirates. The speakers urged supporters to organise beyond online platforms and bring together people who share their nationalist outlook.
The gathering marks the emergence of a new group seeking to challenge the CJP’s campaign in Delhi. Whether it develops into a sustained political organisation or remains primarily a response to the ongoing protests will depend on its future mobilisation and activities.
