Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday, 10 October predicted that the Narendra Modi-led central government would collapse within six months, accusing it of deploying heavy police forces and erecting blockades to prevent protesters from reaching Delhi for a demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Raut, speaking to reporters in Pune, described the protests as a 'people's rebellion' and claimed the government was in its final days.

Raut's Prediction: Government Falls by March-April

Raut claimed that the Modi government would 'take its last breath' between March and April next year, after which a 'national government' would be established. He also reiterated a previous remark that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on 17 September had been his last as Prime Minister. 'If Modi doesn't remain, Amit Shah won't remain either,' he added.

Notably, such predictions of an imminent government collapse have featured repeatedly in Opposition rhetoric over recent years, and the claims carry no independent verification. Raut made clear these were his political assessments.

CJP Chief Detained at Delhi Airport

CJP chief Abhijit Dipke arrived at Delhi airport on Saturday, where he was detained by police. The detention underscores the heightened security posture around the capital ahead of the planned demonstration targeting the Chief Election Commissioner.

Delhi 'Turned into Jammu and Kashmir', Raut Alleges

Raut alleged that the Centre had effectively converted Delhi into a sealed zone, with around 15,000 vehicles reportedly stranded outside the city and trains halted to prevent protesters from reaching the capital. He accused the government of employing suppression tactics he claimed were worse than those seen during British colonial rule.

'Not even during British rule were such massive blockades seen. Thousands of vehicles are stuck on all sides. By what law are you branding protesting youth as traitors and anti-nationals?' Raut asked.

Sharp Words for the Leadership

Targeting the ruling establishment, Raut invoked late actor Nana Patekar's famous dialogue, using a phrase about a 'cockroach' making a government powerless. He alleged that current leaders were merely 'traders' rather than strong statesmen, and argued that traders were quick to panic. He also urged Delhi Police not to follow what he called illegal orders from the central government, alleging that the regime relied on voter manipulation and misuse of state machinery.

Government's Response and What's Next

There was no immediate official response from the Centre or Delhi Police to Raut's allegations as of Saturday. The planned CJP demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner remains a flashpoint, with the security deployment and detention of Dipke likely to draw further political reaction. Opposition parties are expected to amplify these developments ahead of upcoming state political cycles.