US Lawmakers Urge Marco Rubio to Raise CJP Protests
Six Democratic lawmakers in the United States have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to raise concerns over alleged police excesses, detentions and restrictions on protesters associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) during his upcoming visit to India. The lawmakers sent a letter on October 16, 2026, seeking investigations into alleged human rights violations during demonstrations in Delhi and other Indian cities.
Six US Democrats Question India’s Handling of CJP Protests
The letter was signed by Pramila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar, Jim McGovern, Rashida Tlaib, Eleanor Holmes Norton and Jesus Garcia.
The lawmakers alleged excessive use of force, wrongful detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
They urged Rubio to seek independent investigations and the release of individuals allegedly detained unlawfully for exercising their constitutional rights.
US Lawmakers Raise Surveillance Allegations Against Indian Missions
The lawmakers also accused the Indian Embassy in Washington and Indian consulates of deploying photographers to monitor CJP supporters demonstrating in the United States.
They requested an investigation into the allegations and an assessment of whether any conduct could have implications under the US Arms Export Control Act.
The surveillance allegations have not been independently established.
India Rejects Interference in Electoral Affairs
India has previously rejected Jayapal’s criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing her intervention as unacceptable interference in domestic affairs.
Jayapal had raised concerns about the reported removal of 130 million names from draft electoral rolls. That figure does not, by itself, establish permanent voter disenfranchisement.
Democratic leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria also criticised the lawmakers’ intervention, arguing that India’s constitutional institutions were capable of addressing domestic disputes.
Rubio is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on October 20, with trade, energy and strategic cooperation expected to feature in their discussions.
