Delhi Committee Defends 30-Foot Cockroach Effigy Amid Political Row and Legal Complaint

UPDATE - follow-up to CJP's Abhijeet Dipke thanks Delhi Ramlila organisers for 'free publicity' over cockroach effigy: The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee in Pitampura has clarified that its planned 30-foot cockroach effigy is meant to symbolise dirt and promote cleanliness under official campaigns.

Committee Stance

Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel stated the decision is not political and aims to highlight the victory of good over evil alongside the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi missions. This follows reactions from Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke thanking organisers for free publicity and legal head Ratna Singh calling the event a drama.

Legal Complaints

Meanwhile, AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj filed a formal complaint with the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi Police commissioner against organisers, including committee president Ashok Kumar Sevraha and Delhi minister Kapil Mishra. Mr. Bharadwaj accused them of hurting religious sentiments and altering traditions, demanding an FIR and warning of court action if needed.

Context

Delhi Ramlila committees traditionally burn effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna to mark Dussehra, making the inclusion of a non-traditional insect figure a point of public debate. Political leaders frequently clash over public events and symbolisms in the national capital during festive seasons.