‘Momentum is still there’: The BBC at India’s ‘cockroach’ protest

Even as relentless downpours swept through India’s capital city of New Delhi overnight, thousands of supporters affiliated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have refused to abandon their demonstration, vowing that their push for change retains its full momentum. The unexpected heavy rainfall, which left many parts of the city waterlogged and disrupted routine daily life across the national capital, created significant challenges for protesters gathered at key protest sites across the city. Despite soaked clothing, uneven, muddy ground, and logistical hurdles that come with unseasonable heavy rain, the crowd has remained steadfast, choosing to continue their demonstration rather than stand down. Protesters and organizers with the movement have told reporters that the core momentum of their protest remains unbroken, with the widespread turnout through the storm serving as a demonstration of the depth of commitment among the movement’s supporters. The ongoing protest in the heart of India’s capital continues to draw attention to the group’s policy and political demands, as observers across the country monitor how the demonstration evolves in the coming days.