Controversy Erupts Over 30-Foot Cockroach Effigy at Delhi Ramlila

A 30-foot cockroach effigy set to be burned at a Ramlila event in Delhi has sparked significant controversy. The Cockroach Janata Party's founder, Abhijeet Dipke, welcomed the attention, while critics argue that intertwining political issues with religious celebrations undermines the essence of Dussehra. The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee claims the effigy symbolizes cleanliness, but many social media users question the appropriateness of this representation. Amid protests and complaints filed against the organizers, the debate continues over whether this act promotes social awareness or politicizes a sacred tradition. Discover the unfolding discussions surrounding this unique event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 20, 2026, 22:57 IST

Cockroach Effigy Sparks Debate

A 30-ft cockroach effigy alongside those of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna in New Delhi's Pitampura. (Photo:Screengrab/X)

New Delhi, Oct 20: The founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, expressed gratitude to the organizers of a Ramlila event in Delhi for what he termed as 'free publicity' after they revealed plans to burn a 30-foot cockroach effigy alongside traditional figures like Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna.

In a social media update, Dipke remarked, 'Thank you for the free publicity,' in response to the announcement, which has ignited discussions about the blend of religious festivities, political symbolism, and social commentary.

Ratna Singh, the legal head of CJP, also commented on the situation, labeling it a 'tamasha' (drama).

The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, responsible for the annual event in Pitampura, clarified that the cockroach effigy is meant to represent dirt and promote cleanliness in line with the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi initiatives.

Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel refuted claims of political motivations behind the decision, stating that the tradition of effigy-burning has historically been used to address social issues, citing past effigies representing Naxalism and terrorism.

This controversy arises amidst ongoing protests by the CJP in the capital, which began with demonstrations against former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and later expanded to calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In a related development, AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj lodged a complaint with the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi Police commissioner against the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee organizers.

Bharadwaj accused the committee of intentionally offending religious sentiments, altering sacred Hindu customs, and inciting community discord.

The complaint specifically names committee president Ashok Kumar Sevraha and Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, demanding the removal of the allegedly offensive material from media platforms.

Social media users have also criticized the proposed effigy, questioning the appropriateness of intertwining modern political issues with a religious celebration that symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

'Dussehra represents the triumph of good over evil. Why transform this cherished tradition into a battleground for political rivalries?' one user commented, advocating for unity during festivals instead of division.

Another user pointed out that comparing Ravan to a cockroach might not impact the CJP but could offend Hindu sentiments. Others accused the organizers of politicizing religion.

'As a Hindu, I find this deeply disrespectful to my beliefs and practices. They are politicizing Hinduism for their own gain,' another user expressed.

Environmental concerns were also raised, with one user questioning the necessity of burning a large effigy in a city already struggling with air pollution.

Goel defended the initiative as part of the committee's long-standing practice of using effigies to symbolize social issues, reiterating that the cockroach is a representation aimed at promoting cleanliness.

The ongoing debate centers on whether this proposed display aligns with the religious significance of the occasion or risks transforming a traditional festival into a stage for modern political and social conflicts.