Preparations for the planned demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi have come under sharp scrutiny following controversial online appeals that critics say are designed to trigger civil unrest. Harjinder Singh Saluja, known as a supporter of journalist Ravish Kumar and an active voice within opposition political circles, has faced severe public backlash for releasing a clip ahead of the demonstration that effectively pointed younger participants toward sabotage and confrontation.

In the recording published on Wednesday, October 7th, Saluja addressed the Gen Z segment of the planned demonstration. He employed a classic rhetorical device known as antiphrasis—deliberately stating the exact opposite of what is actually intended—by publicly cautioning participants “not to arm” themselves with sticks, sharp blades, and nails. To viewers and observers, the tone and delivery operated as an unmistakable nudge, subtly nudging demonstrators to show up equipped with precisely those objects and create an unpredictable, potentially violent standoff on the capital's streets.

Saluja also offered theatrical warnings against crawling underneath government and public transport vehicles to paralyze traffic or engaging in street vandalism. Throughout the monologue, the messaging relied heavily on dog whistles, using thinly veiled sarcasm that many interpreted as an active recipe for engineering chaos and provoking a full-blown riot scenario in the heart of the national capital.

Describing how he supposedly wanted the demonstration to unfold, Saluja remarked:

“CJP has called for a protest on 10th October. Gen Z kids, don’t indulge in any mischief like crawling underneath a bus. How will the driver manoeuvre the vehicle? He will wonder whether these people have gone underground or are protesting. He won’t be able to drive. Don’t run away with the keys or puncture the tyres either.”

Continuing in the same derisive tone, he drew comparisons between the ruling dispensation and direct road sabotage, adding:

“The government might have punctured the country and made it impossible to run, but if you puncture a tyre, the bus won’t move. How will anything progress like this? What, then, would be the difference between them and you?”

As the clip progressed, his instructions became even more granular regarding what items should be brought along under the pretext of regular protest materials. Pointing to flagstaffs and sharp everyday tools, he said:

“Carry huge flags on big sticks, but use only the flags, not the sticks. Are you understanding what I’m saying? People might also tell you not to carry blades, as that could result in cases being filed against you. Moreover, those small nails used by shoemakers, don’t use them to tear up the seats of (the official vehicles sent to the protest site),”

This guidance was delivered with a visible, conspiratorial undertone, explicitly planting the exact methods demonstrators could use to destroy government vehicles and create disorderly scenes without appearing to issue a direct command.

He concluded his address by urging older activists to join in giving similar "advice" to the younger attendees:

“I will be there and keeping an eye on everyone. Other older people like me should also guide the youngsters in the comments about what they should avoid during the agitation. See you there,”

The video triggered widespread condemnation across digital platforms, with users pointing out that instructing youth to carry dangerous items, puncture vehicles, and destroy public transport was an attempt to foment lawlessness under the banner of a political rally. Faced with intense blowback, Saluja subsequently took down the video from his account.

This tactic of disguised incitement, however, is not an isolated occurrence within this circle of online agitators. Similar reverse-psychology messaging was recently deployed by vocal anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commentator Ramit Verma, who operates the widely followed @thepeeinghuman handle on X (formerly Twitter). Verma utilized the exact same “discouragement” template to draw direct attention to an unlawful act.

Specifically, Verma told prospective CJP attendees “not to dress” as police personnel during the upcoming demonstration. While framed as a warning against impersonation, the post functioned as an explicit pointer directing protesters toward that exact option. Under Indian law, donning or distributing official police uniforms and insignia is strictly prohibited for non-authorized individuals and amounts to an offense. Despite this, Verma shared a direct URL pointing users to a portal offering those garments:

“Requesting all protesters to not buy this and show up at the protest wearing it; please do not. Thanks. Also, please report this link so that no one can use it,”

Along with the message, he attached an active link pointing to an online retail platform known as “Trendzmy,” which sells police uniforms along with matching gear and accessories. The coordinated nature of these posts has intensified concerns that elements backing the CJP rally are actively laying the groundwork for street-level disruption and clashes with law enforcement ahead of the October 10 gathering.