Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has extended his support to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s proposed nationwide protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The CJP has called for demonstrations on October 2, demanding Kumar’s resignation amid an ongoing controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Wangchuk said he had earlier supported the CJP when the organisation was smaller and less prominent. He now hopes its stronger public voice will draw attention to concerns surrounding electoral accountability.
Sonam Wangchuk Supports October 2 Protest
Wangchuk said he supports efforts aimed at improving accountability and maintaining a clean electoral process.
However, he clarified that he may not be able to physically participate in every movement. He said he would provide his initial support while allowing movements to develop independently.
The activist also referred to his earlier association with the CJP during a protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper-leak issue.
‘I Gave Full Support When They Were Weak’
Wangchuk recalled his earlier support for the organisation and contrasted its previous position with its current public presence.
He said he had given the CJP his full support during its Jantar Mantar protest when it was “weak”. Now that the group has a stronger voice, he said he hoped it could make its concerns heard across the country.
Wangchuk also stressed that movements should be able to operate independently. He said he was pleased that more people were now coming forward on the issue involving the Chief Election Commissioner.
CJP Seeks Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
The CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, has called for a nationwide agitation against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The organisation has demanded Kumar’s resignation and announced that it would begin its protest in Mumbai on October 2. The call comes amid political and public debate over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral roll revisions.
The proposed protest is expected to focus on questions of electoral accountability and the functioning of the poll panel.
Election Commission Faces SIR Controversy
The controversy surrounding the Election Commission has intensified following a report by The Indian Express concerning objections reportedly raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
According to the report cited by several news organisations, the two commissioners had raised objections on multiple occasions over decisions involving voter registration, deletion and restoration of names, as well as the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that the commissioners were divided over SIR decisions. On Saturday, the poll panel said decisions related to SIR had received the unanimous approval of all three election commissioners.
Wangchuk Says He May Not Attend Physically
Although Wangchuk has backed the October 2 protest, he said he may not personally participate in the demonstration.
He explained that he cannot physically join every movement he supports. Instead, he said his approach is to support movements while allowing them to continue independently.
Wangchuk added that he hoped the growing participation of others would mean that his presence was not necessary for the CEC-related movement.
October 2 Holds Significance for Wangchuk
Wangchuk also highlighted the significance of October 2, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
He described the date as a “very sacred day” and linked the proposed protest with broader questions of public accountability and democratic processes.
The choice of October 2 gives the proposed demonstration an additional symbolic dimension, as Gandhi’s legacy remains closely associated with non-violent public movements and civil action.
Electoral Accountability at the Centre of Debate
The CJP’s protest call comes during a wider national debate over electoral rolls, voter registration and the SIR process.
Political parties and civil society groups have raised questions about aspects of the revision exercise, while the Election Commission has defended its procedures and said the SIR process is being conducted according to established rules.
The disagreement has also generated protests in different parts of the country. The latest CJP announcement adds another public mobilisation effort to the ongoing debate.
Wangchuk’s Broader Activism
Wangchuk has remained involved in public campaigns concerning political and social issues. His recent activities have included advocacy related to Ladakh and its constitutional and environmental concerns.
His support for the CJP protest marks another instance in which he has lent his voice to a public movement. At the same time, his comments indicate that he does not necessarily intend to participate physically in every protest he supports.
What Happens Next
The CJP is preparing for its proposed nationwide agitation on October 2, with Mumbai expected to serve as the starting point. The organisation continues to seek the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has maintained that decisions concerning the SIR process received unanimous approval from its three commissioners.
Wangchuk’s support has added another prominent voice to the discussion. His remarks have also highlighted his view that movements should develop independently and gain broader participation rather than depend on any single individual.