Pressers, meetings cancelled in Kolkata due to BJP pressure: CJP
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alleges that the West Bengal government and the BJP are suppressing their political activities by forcing venues to cancel their meetings. The party is currently campaigning against alleged government school mismanagement following the death of a volunteer's father.
Why it matters
It reflects ongoing political tensions and allegations of suppression of opposition parties in West Bengal.
The Cockroach Janata Party on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) claimed its press conferences and meetings across six locations in Kolkata had been cancelled after the West Bengal government warned off the authorities in charge of the venues.
The CJP was scheduled to hold a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club on Tuesday evening over the death of the father of a party volunteer, Abdul Hafiz, in Bankura, following an alleged attack by local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. The group’s co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka was to later organise a volunteers' meet at the Bharat Seva Hall in Bipin Ganguly Street.
However, the Press Club cancelled the event at the last minute, citing a sudden power cut. Later, the CJP held the press conference outside the Press Club’s gate.
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