HighLights
  1. CJP announces 'Jail Bharo Andolan' in Mumbai on October 2.
  2. Mumbai Police denied permission for protest at Shivaji Park.
  3. Agitation demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over voter deletions.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday announced a "Jail Bharo Andolan" in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, after the Mumbai Police denied permission for the party's proposed demonstration at Shivaji Park.

Taking to social media platform X, Dipke posted, "Jail Bharo Andolan in Mumbai. October 2, Shivaji Park. #SaveDemocracy."

ALSO READ: Abhijeet Dipke Claims Mumbai Police Denied Permission For October 2 Protest Seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation

Why Is The CJP Protesting?

The "Jail Bharo Andolan" is part of a nationwide agitation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. CJP leadership had previously issued an ultimatum for the CEC to step down by September 26, failing which they called for protests.

Citing reports from The Indian Express, CJP claims that the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has led to mass voter deletions that disproportionately favour the ruling party. Questions surrounding the exercise have further escalated following the revelation that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi placed objections on record at least 14 times over 10 months regarding alterations made to voter lists.

Labelling Kumar a "threat to democracy," Dipke and co-convenor Saurav Das have demanded his resignation, a complete freeze on the ongoing SIR process, and an independent judicial probe into the electoral roll revisions.

What ECI Said?

The poll body has defended its actions, stating that differences of opinion inside institutions are normal, and emphasising that all decisions regarding the electoral roll revision exercise received unanimous backing from the commissioners.

Why The Mumbai Police Denied Permission For Protest?

According to official statements, the Mumbai Police clarified that the restriction is strictly regulatory, advising CJP organisers to look for an alternative venue within the city.

ALSO READ: 'If Election Process Is Spoiled...': Sonam Wangchuk Backs CJP's October 2 Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

    • Legal Limitations On Venue: Local police stated they are not legally empowered to clear political gatherings at Shivaji Park due to a 2013 Bombay High Court order and a 2016 Maharashtra government directive.
    • Lack Of Civic Clearance: Authorities noted that the organisers did not secure the mandatory permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
  • Public Disturbance Risks: Highlighting that Shivaji Park is a designated silence zone, police raised major concerns regarding noise pollution and heavy traffic disruptions in the area.

However, the CJP leadership maintains that the denial is a direct attempt to suppress citizens' voices.

(With Inputs From Agencies)


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