Giant cockroach to be set ablaze along with Ravana; Delhi Ramlila Committee with decision

NEW DELHI: A 30-foot-tall effigy of a cockroach will be burned alongside the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad as part of Dussehra celebrations in New Delhi this year. The organisers stated that the cockroach symbolises filth and waste, and burning it will convey a message about the importance of cleanliness.

The Sree Keshav Ramlila Committee, the organisers of the Ramlila, announced that the cockroach effigy will be burned as part of the 'Swachh Bharat' (Clean India) and 'Swachh Delhi' (Clean Delhi) campaigns. Ashok Goel, the committee president and a BJP MLA, clarified that the decision is not politically motivated. He added that the cockroach would be placed alongside Ravana’s demon army.

This move comes amid the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest in Delhi demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Meanwhile, the 'Tiranga March' (Tricolour March)—called by the CJP to protest the arrest of its leaders is set to take place today. The Delhi High Court rejected a plea to block the march, which is scheduled for 5:00 PM today at Central Park in Connaught Place.

The Supreme Court declined to intervene urgently in the matter, stating that it would consider intervening only after observing the march. The court further noted that the petition regarding this issue would be heard again on October 26.