Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was responsible not only for opposition losses but also for the defeat of some BJP leaders in elections.
Dipke made the remarks during a press conference on September 25. He was speaking amid an ongoing political controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission and allegations concerning electoral-roll revisions.
However, Dipke’s claims are allegations and have not been established as facts by an independent investigation or judicial finding.
Dipke Calls for Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
During the press conference, Dipke demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner.
He argued that elections should only be contested when they are free and fair. He also extended his criticism to BJP leaders who had lost elections.
According to Dipke, those BJP leaders should also consider whether the Election Commission’s functioning contributed to their defeats. He specifically claimed that some BJP candidates could have won but instead lost because of decisions associated with Kumar.
CJP Raises Three Major Demands
Dipke and other CJP representatives have raised several demands concerning the Election Commission.
First, the party has demanded Kumar’s resignation and called for criminal proceedings against him. Second, it has demanded that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls be frozen and that the January 2025 voter list be restored.
In addition, the CJP has called for changes to the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners. The party has also demanded wider reforms in the Election Commission.
Claims Linked to Electoral Roll Controversy
The CJP’s allegations come amid a wider political dispute over electoral-roll revisions.
Reports have recently raised questions about disagreements among members of the Election Commission over changes to electoral-roll procedures. According to a report cited by Hindustan Times, two Election Commissioners objected to changes involving Form 6, which voters use when applying for inclusion in electoral rolls.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have also raised concerns about voter deletions and the SIR process. The Election Commission has faced criticism from several political groups over these issues.
CJP Threatens Nationwide Protest
Dipke has also issued an ultimatum to the Chief Election Commissioner.
The CJP said it would begin nationwide protests if Kumar did not resign within the stated deadline. According to reports, the party has announced plans to begin the campaign from October 2.
Furthermore, Dipke warned of a protest movement that could include demonstrations in several cities and an agitation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Dipke Urges Opposition Parties to Act
Dipke has also criticised opposition parties for continuing to contest elections while alleging that the electoral system is compromised.
In a separate statement, he urged opposition parties not to participate in elections if they genuinely believe the process is being manipulated. He argued that continued participation could be seen as giving legitimacy to an electoral process they themselves question.
However, this remains Dipke’s political position. It does not establish that elections were actually rigged or that any particular election result was caused by actions of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Election Commission Controversy Continues
The latest remarks add another layer to the ongoing political debate surrounding the Election Commission.
Dipke has linked election defeats across political parties to what he alleges are problems in the electoral system. At the same time, claims about specific election outcomes require evidence from election records, investigations or other independent processes before they can be treated as established facts.
The controversy is therefore likely to continue as political parties and civil-society groups debate the functioning of the poll panel, electoral-roll revisions and the role of the Chief Election Commissioner.