Thousands of protesters gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, October 2, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over concerns surrounding electoral roll revisions.
The demonstration was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Gandhi Jayanti, despite Mumbai Police denying permission for the gathering.
Young activists, students and supporters assembled at the venue carrying national flags and placards. The protest formed part of a wider campaign seeking accountability from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The gathering focused primarily on allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for greater transparency in election administration.
CJP Leads Campaign Against CEC
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke led the demonstration, which marked the second phase of the organisation’s campaign against the Election Commission.
The party has demanded Kumar’s resignation, a freeze on the electoral roll prepared in 2025 and greater transparency in the appointment of future election commissioners.
Dipke said the agitation would continue beyond Mumbai, with further demonstrations planned in other cities.
The organisation has also announced plans for a larger protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Police Deny Permission, Security Tightened
Mumbai Police had denied permission for the demonstration, citing restrictions governing Shivaji Park, civic clearance requirements, traffic management and emergency access.
Despite the restrictions, protesters continued to gather near the venue.
Police deployed personnel around the park and nearby areas, including routes connecting the venue with Dadar railway station.
The gathering proceeded amid security arrangements and barricades.
Protesters Raise Concerns Over SIR
The protest centred on allegations of irregularities in the SIR process, which involves reviewing and updating electoral rolls.
CJP and other critics have raised concerns that the process could exclude eligible voters from electoral lists.
The organisation has also referred to media reports about objections reportedly raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over certain decisions connected with the revision exercise.
The Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll procedures are governed by law and has initiated measures to facilitate enrolment of eligible voters who may have been left out.
Public Figures Join the Demonstration
The Mumbai protest also drew participation from public figures and members of the film industry.
Actor Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, musician Vishal Dadlani and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj were among those reported at the gathering.
Their presence brought additional public attention to the demonstration.
Supporters of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also extended support to the protest, according to reports.
CJP Announces Further Agitation
Addressing the gathering, Dipke described the Mumbai demonstration as the beginning of a wider campaign.
The organisation has indicated that protests will be held in several cities, including Goa and Kolkata, before a larger mobilisation in Delhi.
The campaign is expected to focus on the CEC’s resignation, electoral roll concerns and transparency in the appointment of election commissioners.
Election Commission Faces Calls for Accountability
The Shivaji Park demonstration reflects continuing public and political debate over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral roll revisions.
While protesters have called for Kumar’s resignation, the Election Commission’s legal authority and procedures remain subject to scrutiny through the relevant constitutional and statutory framework.
The Mumbai gathering added to protests held in Delhi and other locations, placing electoral transparency and voter registration among the central issues in the ongoing debate.