The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is holding a protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai's Dadar area on Friday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, is part of the party's nationwide agitation against the Election Commission's handling of the voter-roll revision exercise.
The protest was scheduled to begin at 4 pm near Gate No. 6 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park. The CJP has announced a 'Jail Bharo Andolan' after Mumbai Police denied permission for the proposed gathering at the venue. Police have cited restrictions governing the use of Shivaji Park and its status as a silence zone.
The agitation comes amid a growing controversy over the Election Commission's internal decision-making during the SIR exercise. A report by The Indian Express said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months concerning decisions and procedures related to electoral rolls, registration and the Commission's digital systems.
The reported objections have become a key issue for critics of the poll panel, who have questioned the manner in which decisions related to the SIR were taken. The Election Commission, however, has rejected suggestions of a split within the three-member panel and said its decisions, including those concerning the SIR, were taken unanimously.
Here Are The Latest Updates About The Protest:
Abhijeet Dipke Dares CM Fadnavis To Arrest Protesters At Shivaji Park
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke challenged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to arrest and send to jail the protesters gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where the party is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CJP Protest: Tricolour-Waving Protesters March Towards Shivaji Park
With Tricolours and CJP flags in hand, protesters took out a march from Shiv Sena Bhavan towards Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The demonstrators raised slogans calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, citing alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Shabana Azmi, Vishal Dadlani Join CJP Protest At Shivaji Park
Actor Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and singer Vishal Dadlani joined protesters at the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demonstration at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park as the party launched its ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’.
Gen Next Mumbai Protest Against CJP, Accuse Dipke Of Targeting Constitution
A group identifying itself as “Gen Next Mumbai” staged a protest against the Cockroach Janata Party in Mumbai. One of the protesters accused CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke of speaking about dismantling the Constitution and said the group had gathered for a peaceful demonstration to uphold and respect the Constitution.
The protester said, “People like Abhijeet Dipke speak of dismantling the Constitution. Today, however, we stand beneath the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar because we know how to protect and respect the Constitution.”
‘Gyanesh Bro, Just Resign’: Satirical Memes, Film Dialogues Colour Shivaji Park Stir
The CJP protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park featured satirical memes, popular film dialogues and slogans aimed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters were seen carrying placards with messages such as “Gyanu, Tujha Democracy Var Bharosa Nay Kay?”, “Gyanesh BRO, JUST RESIGN” and “Gaddaar Gyaanu Must Go”.
Actor Naseeruddin Shah Reaches Shivaji Park
Actor Naseeruddin Shah has reached Mumbai's Shivaji Park as the CJP's protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar gets underway. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has also shared visuals from the protest site.
Saurav Das Alleges BJP Workers At Protest Site
CJP leader Saurav Das has alleged that some BJP workers were present near the protest site. He also claimed that a former OSD to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was among those seen there. The claims have not been independently verified.
“The BJP people have sent some workers. We have also provided pictures, and it is clearly visible in the pictures that, for instance, our dear Dharmendra Pradhan’s former OSD was also seen there, along with some local people from Shivaji Park. No resident or any citizen of the country would be against this protest because nobody wants their votes to be stolen or their rights to be violated.” Das said.
Security Tightened Around Shivaji Park
Security has been strengthened around Shivaji Park as the CJP protest continues despite Mumbai Police denying permission for the demonstration.
Police and railway authorities have deployed personnel around Dadar station and Shivaji Park, while barricades have been placed at several entry points. Officials said the deployment is aimed at maintaining law and order and managing traffic in the area.