New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has taken an unusual turn, with people from across the country extending support by sending food through online delivery platforms. Several videos circulating on social media show Swiggy and Zomato delivery partners arriving at the protest site with prepaid food orders for demonstrators. Many of the orders also carry messages asking that the meals be given to those who need them the most. The unique gesture of solidarity has sparked widespread discussion online.
Has online food delivery become the new support of the movement?
In the last few years, social media has given new strength to the movements, but this time the use of technology has emerged in a different form. Those who could not reach Delhi for some reason took the help of food delivery platforms. Pizza, burgers, thali, momos, tea, coffee, and other food items are being ordered from the restaurants located around the protest site and are being sent directly to Jantar Mantar. Several delivery agents reported that people who placed orders told them to give the food to any hungry protester.
Where is the support coming from?
According to reports, not only Delhi but also Indians living abroad in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and other cities of the country are ordering food online and delivering food to the protesters. Many people shared the receipts of their orders on social media and wrote that they were not present there themselves, but in this way they were registering their participation in the movement. This is the reason why there is continuous movement of delivery partners at Jantar Mantar.
Did viral video increase people’s engagement?
Videos going viral on social media platforms X, Instagram, and Facebook are considered to be the biggest reason for this entire incident. In these, delivery agents are seen reaching the protest site with food packets. In many videos, protesters are also seen thanking unknown people who helped them without any recognition or publicity. These videos have received lakhs of views and thousands of reactions.
Did the support become stronger after the police action?
It is being told that in recent days, the police action taken during the movement and the videos that surfaced after that also affected the sentiments of the people. After this, the number of people giving support through online medium increased rapidly. Some volunteer groups have also started arranging medicines and first aid at the protest site so that the people sitting on strike for a long time can get the necessary facilities.
Is the style of protest changing?
Experts believe that the nature of protests is changing rapidly in the digital age. Earlier, people used to express their support only by providing financial support or by reaching the protest site, but now essential goods are being made available directly through online platforms. This not only boosts the morale of the protesters, but people sitting far away also feel a part of the movement.
This picture of Jantar Mantar shows that the Internet and digital services are now becoming not only a medium of convenience but also an important means of social participation.
