Mumbai, India – The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), under the leadership of its founder Abhijeet Dipke, staged a protest in Mumbai on Friday, October 2, calling for the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration focused on alleged irregularities tied to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, as reported by news agency PTI.
The protest, originally slated for Shivaji Park in Dadar on Gandhi Jayanti, was announced by the CJP as the launch of a wider national campaign. Dipke had previously indicated plans to expand the movement to other cities, culminating in a larger demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The CJP has voiced significant concerns regarding the Election Commission's management of electoral roll revisions. Their key demands include:
- The resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- Freezing the 2025 electoral roll.
- Enhanced transparency in the process of appointing the next Chief Election Commissioner.
Local authorities, including the Mumbai Police, had not granted permission for the gathering at Shivaji Park. Reasons cited for the denial included restrictions on assemblies at the venue, a lack of necessary civic permissions, and potential disruptions to traffic flow and emergency vehicle access. Security was notably heightened across Dadar, particularly around Dadar railway station, in anticipation of the planned event.
Local Concerns and Leader's Encounter with Police
The proposed demonstration also sparked worries among residents and businesses in the Shivaji Park vicinity. Some locals and business owners expressed objections, arguing that frequent protests in the area disrupt daily life and commercial activities. Reports indicated that during previous gatherings, some office owners had been compelled to shut their establishments.
The protest followed an incident the day prior when Abhijeet Dipke was taken to the Marine Drive police station after appearing on the promenade with supporters carrying placards. While police maintained they merely interacted with him and escorted him, denying detention, Dipke characterized the event differently, alleging an unnecessary apprehension before his release.
Broader Debate on Electoral Roll Revisions
The CJP's agitation unfolds amidst an ongoing national discourse among political entities and civil society groups concerning electoral roll revisions. The Election Commission asserts that these exercises are vital for identifying and removing duplicate, deceased, or otherwise ineligible voters. Conversely, critics have raised alarms about the potential for eligible voters to be inadvertently excluded from the rolls, underscoring the importance of a fair and transparent process.