Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park became the focal point of a significant public demonstration on October 2, as several prominent figures from the Indian entertainment industry gathered to support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest. The demonstration was primarily aimed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation and an immediate halt to the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) process concerning electoral rolls.
Led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, the protest drew hundreds of supporters, significantly amplified by the presence of well-known celebrities. Among the most vocal participants were veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, alongside popular singer and composer Vishal Dadlani. Their involvement brought considerable public and media attention to the demands of the CJP.
Celebrities Advocate for Voting Rights
Actress Shabana Azmi had publicly endorsed the Mumbai protest prior to the event, urging citizens to participate. In a video shared on social media, she underscored voting as a fundamental right and raised critical questions about the implications of citizens' names being erroneously omitted from electoral lists. At Shivaji Park, Azmi further emphasized the constitutional right of citizens to voice their concerns against perceived injustices, thanking attendees for recognizing their collective strength.
Singer Vishal Dadlani also actively participated in the protest, having announced his support and encouraged public participation beforehand. During the demonstration, Dadlani led slogans directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, expressing his satisfaction in joining Dipke's initiative.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah also showed his solidarity, meeting and embracing CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. Shah conveyed his appreciation for Dipke's efforts, stating he attended specifically to offer his thanks and support. The combined presence of these influential personalities considerably heightened the protest's profile, drawing a larger crowd to Shivaji Park.
Javed Akhtar Comments on Venue Controversy
Meanwhile, writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar weighed in on a separate controversy surrounding the protest venue. Some residents of Shivaji Park had raised objections to the demonstration, citing concerns about noise and potential disruption. In a post on social media platform X, Akhtar welcomed the residents' sensitivity to noise pollution but critically questioned whether they would exhibit the same intensity of objection if major political parties were to hold similar public gatherings at the same venue.
The CJP protest in Mumbai underscores ongoing public debate and scrutiny over electoral processes, with demands for transparency and accountability from the Election Commission.