We The Leaders founder K. Annamalai has sparked a fresh controversy by taking a stance in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a proxy of Aam Aadmi Party.
Speaking to reporters, Annamalai said he may not agree with many of CJP’s modes of protest or “antics,” but he “completely support[s] CJP in terms of the questions they want to raise.” He argued it is for the government to answer those questions and criticised the Delhi Police’s handling of the case involving CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, whose judicial custody was recently extended in connection with a Jantar Mantar-related trespassing case. Prolonged incarceration, he warned, would only strengthen the leaders rather than weaken them, and he accused the police of “doing a real disservice” and taking the law into their hands.
Contrary to Annamalai’s claims, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been arrested and kept in jail for violating the law by trespassing into Jantar Mantar, which had recently been de-notified as an authorized protest site by the Delhi Police.
The court stated that their conduct “shows no respect for law”.
The magistrate noted that they deliberately breached peace bonds furnished on October 11, 2026, by mobilizing the public and calling for protests at Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place—areas that are de-notified protest sites.
The court rejected the sureties produced on their behalf after finding them unfit. The magistrate cited a mismatch between the photograph on one surety’s bond and his Aadhaar card, along with unsatisfactory answers, while the other surety failed to provide basic details about Saurav Das.
Netizens Slam Annamalai For His Pro-CJP Stance
Annamalai’s weird stance on the Cockroaches has shocked his own supporters who have expressed dismay.
Online posts and commentary have framed the statement as Annamalai “coming out in support of cockroaches,” with critics arguing it undercuts his earlier image as a strong BJP face in Tamil Nadu and risks associating him with a movement seen by many as anti-government. Some supporters have pushed back, noting he only backed the questions and dialogue rather than the group’s methods or identity, and that he has not endorsed the party itself.
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