The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is set to hold a protest in Mumbai on October 2, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and changes in the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The protest, planned for Gandhi Jayanti, comes amid a wider political controversy surrounding the Election Commission and its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other party members announced the protest after raising concerns about the functioning of the poll panel. On September 25, the organisation outlined three principal demands. The first is the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and the initiation of criminal proceedings against him. The second is a freeze on the SIR exercise and restoration of the January 2025 voter list. The third demand is the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners and reforms to the Election Commission.
The CJP's demands come against the backdrop of controversy over alleged differences within the Election Commission. An Indian Express investigation reported objections raised by election commissioners over certain decisions of the poll panel. The Election Commission, however, has rejected suggestions that there is an internal breakdown. It has maintained that important decisions, including those relating to SIR, were taken with the approval of all three commissioners.
The planned Mumbai demonstration has also run into a problem over police permission. Mumbai Police denied permission for the proposed gathering at Shivaji Park. According to the police, they are not empowered to grant permission for gatherings at the ground under a 2013 Bombay High Court order. Officials also referred to requirements relating to permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as well as concerns over traffic, noise and access to nearby hospitals. Police advised the organisers to consider an alternative venue.
Dipke criticised the denial and said the move amounted to an attempt to suppress citizens' voices. He subsequently announced that the CJP would launch a “Jail Bharo Andolan” if it was prevented from holding the protest. The organisation has maintained that it intends to proceed with its October 2 programme despite the lack of permission for Shivaji Park.
The CJP had earlier issued an ultimatum to Gyanesh Kumar, saying that nationwide protests would begin if he did not resign. The organisation has described the October 2 programme as the starting point of a broader campaign that could extend to other cities.
The controversy surrounding the Election Commission has meanwhile become a larger political issue, with opposition parties and civil society groups also raising questions about electoral-roll revisions and the functioning of the poll panel. The Election Commission has defended its procedures and rejected allegations that its decisions were politically motivated.
With October 2 approaching, attention is now focused on whether the CJP will be able to hold its proposed demonstration in Mumbai and how authorities will respond if the organisation goes ahead without permission.
Reader Comments 0