New Delhi
oi-Swastika Sruti
A 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy will be burnt alongside the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad during a Ramlila event in Delhi’s Pitampura this year. The organisers say the unusual addition is intended to highlight the importance of cleanliness and support the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns.
During this year’s Ramlila event in Delhi’s Pitampura, a 30-foot cockroach effigy will burn alongside Ravan’s, aiming to promote cleanliness and support Swachh Bharat campaigns as decided by the Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee led by BJP MLA Ashok Goel.
The annual event is organised by the Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee. Its president, BJP MLA Ashok Goel, said the decision was taken to spread awareness about cleanliness and should not be viewed through a political lens.
The cockroach will also be shown as one of the asuras in Ravan’s army, making it part of the larger message of good defeating evil during the Dussehra celebrations.
Why Is A Giant Cockroach Effigy Being Added To Ramlila?
According to Ashok Goel, the cockroach represents filth and dirt. The committee wants to use the traditional Ramlila event to remind people about the need to maintain clean surroundings.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Goel said the decision was not motivated by political considerations. He explained that the burning of the effigies would continue to carry the traditional message of the victory of good over evil, while the cockroach would be used to draw attention to cleanliness.
The addition gives the annual event a new theme alongside the familiar story of Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan.
The organisers have linked the initiative to the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns, which focus on improving sanitation and encouraging people to keep public spaces clean.
Cockroach Effigy Plan Comes Amid CJP Protests In Delhi
The announcement comes at a time when the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been holding protests in the national capital.
The group initially staged demonstrations targeting former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. It has since joined protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In June and July, CJP members staged a prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar before marching towards Parliament on July 20. The agitation focused on allegations linked to the NEET examination and demands for accountability. Pradhan subsequently resigned as education minister.
The group has now joined opposition parties and student organisations in demonstrations related to the electoral roll revision exercise.
Protests Lead To Detentions Of Activists And Journalists
The continuing demonstrations in Delhi have led to the detention of several activists, students and journalists, according to reports.
The protesters have raised concerns over the electoral roll revision process and called for action against the Chief Election Commissioner. Their demands have also become part of wider opposition protests in the capital.
Against this backdrop, the planned cockroach effigy has drawn attention because of the insect’s name and its association with the CJP.
