Delhi Ramlila Committee to Burn 30-Foot Cockroach Effigy on Dussehra

Ashok Goel Devaraha, the Model Town MLA and committee president, describes the unconventional addition as a continuation of a practice where effigies represent contemporary national afflictions. In previous years, the committee has targeted issues such as terrorism and Naxalism. By setting the giant insect ablaze, the organizers aim to reinforce the festival's core message of triumph over evil, framing urban decay and lack of hygiene as modern-day vices that require collective action.

The decision arrives as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) maintains a high-profile presence in the capital. The political group, currently demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities, has intensified its public demonstrations. With activist Abhijeet Dipke organizing a rally at Central Park, security forces have increased their deployment around Connaught Place to monitor the situation ahead of the holiday festivities.