Archive · 19 Aug 2026
CJP Says Kolkata Venues Closed Doors Amid Political Pressure
The Cockroach Janta Party wanted to hold meetings in Kolkata.
Its leader said several halls refused to let them use their spaces because of pressure from BJP supporters.
The Indian Association said its hall was unavailable because another group stayed longer than planned.
Press Club Kolkata said rain, flooding and electrical problems caused its event to move outside.
The CJP was in Bengal to support the family of volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafeez.
The group says Hafeez and his family were attacked after he filmed poor conditions at his former school.
The BJP said it did not know of any pressure and told the CJP it could seek legal help.
The CJP said it would protest and raise money for the family if its demands were not met.
Cockroach Janta Party leader Ashutosh Ranka alleged that Bharat Sabha canceled a confirmed booking after threats from local BJP leaders.
Ranka said six other venues also refused to host the group’s meetings, citing similar pressure.
The Indian Association denied political intimidation, saying another group extended its booking and displaced the CJP event.
Press Club Kolkata said heavy rain, flooding and power repairs prevented the scheduled news conference from being held indoors.
The CJP is demanding arrests over an alleged assault on volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafeez’s family and has announced protests and crowdfunding support.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party, led by Ashutosh Ranka, and representatives of the Indian Association, Press Club Kolkata and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- What
- The CJP alleged that Kolkata venues canceled or refused bookings because of political pressure, while venue officials and the BJP disputed the allegations.
- When
- The events occurred on Tuesday, after the CJP’s planned meeting and news conference; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Kolkata, including Bharat Sabha in Bowbazar and Press Club Kolkata; the CJP team was also visiting Bankura in Bengal.
- Why
- The CJP said it was organizing meetings and supporting the family of volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafeez while campaigning on school reform.
CJP’s Allegations
Venue and BJP Responses
Canceled bookings
CJP’s Allegations
Ashutosh Ranka alleged that Bharat Sabha and six other venues refused the CJP because of threats or pressure from local BJP leaders.
Venue and BJP Responses
The Indian Association said the cancellation resulted from another group extending its booking, while a senior Lalbazar officer also denied political intimidation.
Press Club disruption
CJP’s Allegations
Ranka suggested that the CJP was being obstructed after it was told there was no power inside the club, forcing the conference onto the driveway.
Venue and BJP Responses
Press Club Kolkata said heavy rain had flooded the compound, electrical flashes caused the power disconnection and repairs continued until 5 p.m.
Political responsibility
CJP’s Allegations
The CJP described the alleged venue pressure and the assault on its volunteer’s family as part of the BJP’s intimidation tactics.
Venue and BJP Responses
BJP Bengal chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar said he was unaware of pressure from any BJP leader and advised the CJP to approach the administration or take legal action.
- Organization
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- Leader
- Ashutosh Ranka
- Main venue allegation
- The CJP said Bharat Sabha canceled a verbally confirmed booking after alleged threats from local BJP leaders.
- Venue response
- An Indian Association employee said another group extended its booking and denied political pressure.
- Press Club explanation
- Press Club Kolkata attributed the disruption to flooding and a power outage caused by heavy rain and electrical flashes.
- CJP demands
- The group called for arrests of those accused, action against local police and a school in memory of Hafeez’s father.
- Planned response
- CJP members said they would escalate protests within 10 days and launch crowdfunding for Hafeez’s family.