The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has alleged that its scheduled meet-up in Kolkata was cancelled on Tuesday after the owners of the venue allegedly came under pressure and received threats from BJP leaders.
The event was planned at Bharat Sabha Hall in North Kolkata, where CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka was expected to interact with supporters and participants. According to Ranka, the venue owners withdrew permission after allegedly facing threats.
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In a post on X, Ranka said the scheduled Kolkata meet-up had been cancelled because the hall owners had allegedly received threats from BJP leaders. He further claimed that the organisers attempted to find alternative venues but faced similar difficulties.
Ranka alleged that six other halls also refused to host the gathering, citing “massive pressure from the state”. The claims, however, are allegations made by the CJP, and no independent confirmation of the alleged threats or pressure was provided in the report.
The cancellation comes as the CJP continues to expand its political activities in West Bengal. The party has been pushing its “School Theek Karo” campaign, focusing on issues related to education and schools in the state.
The party has also stepped up its confrontation with the state’s political establishment following the death of the father of one of its volunteers. CJP has indicated that it could launch fresh agitation over the incident, adding another dimension to its growing political campaign in Bengal.
The Kolkata meet-up was expected to provide the party with an opportunity to connect directly with supporters and discuss its campaign strategy. The cancellation could now further intensify the political rhetoric surrounding the CJP’s activities.
Ranka’s allegations also bring attention to the broader political environment in West Bengal, where rival parties frequently accuse one another of obstructing political programmes and public mobilisation. Whether the alleged pressure came from BJP leaders or state authorities remains a matter of contention.
For the CJP, the incident is likely to become part of its wider political messaging as it seeks to establish itself through campaigns and public protests. The party may now look at alternative venues or formats for its Kolkata outreach.
The development also comes amid heightened political activity in West Bengal, with parties increasingly focusing on grassroots campaigns and public engagement ahead of future electoral contests.
The CJP has not indicated whether the cancelled meeting will be rescheduled or shifted to another location. Ranka’s allegations are expected to keep the issue in the political spotlight as the party continues its “School Theek Karo” campaign and threatens further agitation over the death of the volunteer’s father.
