Cockroach Janta Party Alleges BJP Pressure Led to Venue Cancellations in Kolkata

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleged on Tuesday that multiple venues in Kolkata cancelled or refused bookings for its meetings and press conferences due to pressure from the BJP government. The CJP reported that at least six halls refused them, including the Bharat Seva Hall. A scheduled press conference at the Kolkata Press Club was moved to the street after the club cited technical issues involving waterlogging and electricity. CJP co-convenor Asutosh Ranka claimed that venue owners were threatened by the government to deny permission. The BJP has denied any organizational involvement in these incidents.

The CJP's protests center on the death of Janab Mafik, the father of a party volunteer, who died after visiting a government school in Bankura as part of the party's school clean-up campaign. CJP members claim Mafik was assaulted by individuals affiliated with the BJP. In contrast, the West Bengal Police stated on X that the claims of a brutal assault are baseless. According to police, Mafik sustained only a minor injury requiring one stitch and later died in the hospital due to severe blood pressure fluctuations.

The CJP has demanded the arrest of 10 accused individuals within 10 days and the construction of a world-class school in Mafik's memory. While one source notes the son did not want financial compensation, another reports the CJP is demanding a minimum of 1 crore rupees in compensation. The party warned it would demonstrate outside local administrative offices if its demands are not met.

Reporting on the event differs slightly by political lean. The center-leaning coverage emphasizes that the CJP's claims of BJP pressure could not be independently verified and notes the lack of documentary evidence provided during the interaction. The center-left leaning coverage focuses more on the CJP's criticisms of the state of education in Bengal and the party's specific demands for compensation and arrests.