MUMBAI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced plans for a protest in Mumbai on October 2, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a post on X, the CJP announced that its protest would be held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai at 4 p.m., near Gate No. 6. The organisation used the slogan “Mumbai Chalo” and called for Kumar’s resignation.
The planned demonstration is part of the CJP’s wider campaign over the SIR exercise. The organisation had previously announced that it would hold protests if its demand for the CEC’s resignation was not met.
Police Permission Dispute
- The proposed demonstration has reportedly faced a dispute over police permission. Mumbai Police has reportedly denied permission for the planned protest, citing concerns related to traffic and public order arrangements.
- Following the reported denial, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced what the organisation described as a “Jail Bharo Andolan” for October 2 at Shivaji Park.
- Reports also said that a group confronted CJP members at Shivaji Park over the proposed demonstration.
Background to the SIR Dispute
- The CJP’s campaign comes amid a wider political and public debate over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise and changes to electoral rolls.
- The Election Commission has maintained that the revision process is being conducted under the applicable legal framework. The controversy has also led to discussions about the functioning of electoral roll software and the procedures used during the revision process.
- The CJP has demanded Kumar’s resignation and called for an independent examination of decisions connected with the SIR process.
- These demands represent the CJP’s position and should not be presented as established findings of wrongdoing by the Election Commission or the Chief Election Commissioner.
