CJP-organised protest draws thousands in Mumbai, mostly Gen Z, demanding CEC's resignation
Protesters gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Thousands of people, mostly young protesters, gathered at Mumbai's landmark Shivaji Park today (2 October), demanding the resignation of India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) as part of its campaign against the Election Commission's voter-roll revision process.
Actors Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, Bollywood director Vishal Bhardwaj and documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan were among those present at the demonstration.
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Addressing supporters, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "Mahatma Gandhi is the soul of the country and BR Ambedkar is the backbone of India."
The protest marked the launch of the CJP's planned "Jail Bharo Andolan" campaign across India.
Satirical memes, film dialogues and slogans targeting Kumar featured prominently at the demonstration. Protesters waved Indian flags and carried placards with messages including "Gyanesh BRO, JUST RESIGN" and "Gaddaar Gyaanu Must Go".
Some protesters also chanted, "Gyanu, it's done bro," while others held placards reading, "The Janta Has a Spine, Gyanu Must Resign."
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the protests would continue until Kumar resigns.
The latest demonstration follows a report by The Indian Express, which said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months regarding decisions and orders related to the revision of electoral rolls, voter registration procedures and the Election Commission's digital systems.
The Election Commission has said that differences of opinion are normal during internal deliberations.
The CJP gained national attention in July after leading protests over alleged examination paper leaks, which were followed by the resignation of India's education minister, according to the organisation.
The protest against Kumar comes amid a broader series of youth-led demonstrations this year, with organisers seeking greater accountability from election authorities.
