Delhi Ramlila builds 30-foot cockroach effigy overnight

Delhi Ramlila Rushes Construction on 30-Foot Cockroach Effigy Hours Before Vijayadashami

Organisers at the Delhi Ramlila in Pitampura commissioned a completely new 30-foot cockroach effigy overnight after rejecting an earlier pink-and-black design, according to reporting by ThePrint. Artist Savej Khan and his team constructed the giant figure from scratch ahead of Tuesday evening’s Vijayadashami celebrations, replacing a moustached humanoid effigy that featured a cockroach symbol on its chest. The last-minute redesign required an all-night assembly using printed parts fixed onto plywood.

Political Satire and the Cockroach Janta Party Symbolism

The cockroach imagery has been widely interpreted as a satirical reference to the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led movement that emerged after Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly compared unemployed youth to cockroaches and societal parasites, ThePrint reported. The earlier pink effigy, built by Khan and his cousin Aamir, featured a figure that Khan said on October 16 was climbing on top of their president. Woodwork artist Savej Khan acknowledged the political undertones of the commission, stating that the design serves as a clear hint for those who understand the current political climate.

Organiser Denials and Legal Complaints Over Religious Sentiments

Ramlila organiser and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ashok Goel has consistently denied any political motivation behind the display, maintaining that the burning of the effigy symbolizes the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness and represents social and political filth. In contrast, Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj filed a formal complaint with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor and Commissioner of Police against the organisers, including the committee president Ashok Kumar Sevraha and Kapil Mishra. Bharadwaj alleged that the effigy deliberately hurts religious sentiments and incites community enmity, threatening to move court if authorities fail to register a First Information Report.

BRICS Decor and Political Messaging at the Pitampura Ground

Beyond the disputed cockroach effigy, the Pitampura Ramlila grounds feature extensive political and governmental messaging, including advertisement posters of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and a long exhibition detailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life up to the BRICS summit, ThePrint reported. Five main entrance installations display life-size cutouts of senior BJP leaders alongside a NAMO Cafe and a replica of the Ramjanmabhumi Temple. Organisers defended the displays, with Goel asserting that the event’s BRICS 2026 decor theme and historical exhibits showcase India’s global leadership and align with the inspirational governance of Lord Rama.