Jantar Mantar has seen an unusual show of solidarity over the past two days – not in the form of slogans, but pizzas, parathas and water bottles.
As the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest regained steam after Monday’s parliament march and the vicious crackdown by the Delhi Police, delivery riders have been arriving at the landmark site in a steady stream, dropping off food ordered by people who cannot join the demonstration in person but want to support it anyway.
One rider said he had made six trips to the location since 7 am alone, delivering everything from biryani to an order of 16 pizzas placed all the way from Dubai. Riders said they aren’t allowed inside the protest area, so they wait at the edge and call out to volunteers to collect the orders. As one put it, describing how the handover works: “We have to tell them, ‘Someone has sent this to help you; if you need it, please take the order’.”
The gestures span geographies – orders have come in from Dubai, Bombay and other cities – turning food delivery apps into an improvised channel for public participation in the protest.
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