AAP moves authorities against Delhi Ramlila committee over giant cockroach effigy

UPDATE - follow-up to CJP's Abhijeet Dipke thanks Delhi Ramlila organisers for 'free publicity' over cockroach effigy: AAP Delhi leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has filed formal complaints with the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi Police chief against the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee in Pitampura.

The Complaint

The legal action targets committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Kumar Sevraha along with Delhi minister Kapil Mishra. The complaint accuses the event organisers of intentionally hurting religious feelings, changing sacred Hindu traditions, and trying to stir up hatred between different groups. Bharadwaj demanded an immediate police case and the removal of the controversial material from online platforms, warning that he will approach the court if no action is taken.

Committee Stance

The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee previously announced plans to burn a thirty-foot cockroach effigy alongside traditional figures of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran at the Netaji Subhash Palace Grounds. Committee head Ashok Goel defended the move by stating it aims to represent garbage and support hygiene initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi without any political intent. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked the organisers for unexpected media attention, while CJP legal head Ratna Singh called the whole row a drama.

Context

Public festival celebrations in India occasionally spark political friction when modern civic themes or social messaging intersect with traditional religious rituals. Police complaints and formal notices are standard legal avenues for political parties in the capital to challenge public events they view as controversial or divisive.