Mumbai, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday launched its ‘Jail Bharo’ agitation at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and calling for changes to the management of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The protest took place despite Mumbai Police denying formal permission for the gathering. Police deployed security personnel and erected barricades around the Dadar area, while demonstrators assembled near Gate No. 6 of Shivaji Park with national flags, placards and slogans directed at the Election Commission. Reports said the demonstration was organised as the second phase of the party’s campaign.
The agitation drew support from public figures, intellectuals and film personalities, including actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, and singer Vishal Dadlani. Actor Prakash Raj also extended support through a video message urging citizens to safeguard democratic institutions.
Addressing the gathering, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He defended the protest as a peaceful effort to raise concerns about voting rights and electoral processes.
Responding to warnings about possible arrests for unlawful assembly, Dipke challenged the state government to detain protesters, saying that a longer jail term would not deter the movement.
He also invoked the legacy of social reformers Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, saying that the state’s tradition of social reform should be reflected in its response to public demonstrations. Dipke said the campaign would continue even if its participants faced arrest.
Protesters raised slogans such as “Gyanesh BRO, JUST RESIGN” and “Gaddaar Gyaanu Must Go”, while carrying placards featuring satirical messages and film dialogues. Police personnel, including quick-response teams and women officers, were deployed around Shivaji Park, Cadell Road and access points near Dadar Railway Station. The source material reported minor scuffles near barricades, while the gathering remained largely peaceful through the afternoon.
The CJP’s charter of demands calls for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and an independent investigation into electoral roll management. It also seeks an immediate halt to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, restoration of the January 2025 voter lists, a comprehensive audit of recent voter deletions and repeal of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023.
The party has also called for a revised process to appoint Election Commissioners, proposing a transparent selection mechanism with participation from multiple political parties and civil society representatives.
A counter-demonstration was also held nearby by a group identifying itself as ‘Gen Next Mumbai’. The participants criticised the CJP’s agitation, alleging that it caused unnecessary disruption and misrepresented constitutional processes. Some local residential associations also raised concerns over traffic congestion, noise and security in the densely populated neighbourhood. CJP leaders, meanwhile, alleged that political interference was contributing to opposition to their protest.
The demonstration comes amid wider concerns raised by activists and political groups over the SIR process and the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls. The CJP has said Friday’s Mumbai protest is the opening phase of a broader campaign, with further rallies planned in states including West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, followed by a proposed mass demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
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