CJP Goes Ahead With October 2 Shivaji Park Protest Despite Permission Row
CJP supporters gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2 as part of a protest led by Abhijeet Dipke concerning the Election Commission and SIR of electoral rolls. Mumbai Police had earlier declined permission for the Shivaji Park gathering and suggested an alternative venue, citing legal and logistical restrictions.
Mumbai: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, went ahead with its protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, despite an earlier dispute over permission for the gathering. Hundreds of protesters gathered as part of the organisation’s campaign concerning the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Police Had Declined Permission at Shivaji Park
Ahead of the demonstration, Mumbai Police had informed organisers that it was not empowered to permit a public gathering at Shivaji Park under an existing Bombay High Court judgment and subsequent Maharashtra government guidelines. Police also cited the absence of required BMC permission, Shivaji Park’s silence-zone status, potential noise pollution, traffic congestion and possible disruption to emergency vehicle movement. Organisers were advised to identify an alternative venue and submit a fresh application.
Dipke subsequently announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” and maintained that the organisation would proceed with its campaign. Reports before the event said the programme was scheduled for October 2 as part of a broader nationwide agitation.
Protest Focuses on Election Commission and SIR
CJP has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raised objections concerning the SIR process and the functioning of the Election Commission. These are the organisation’s allegations and demands; the Election Commission has disputed claims of substantive internal disagreement over its SIR decisions.
The protest began in Mumbai on October 2, with reports showing hundreds of participants gathering at Shivaji Park. Security was stepped up around the area as the demonstration proceeded.
Local Opposition to Protest
The demonstration also faced opposition from some Shivaji Park residents and other groups. Reports from the venue said local opponents raised concerns about disruption in the area, while a separate group, Gen Next Mumbai, organised a counter-protest.
The Mumbai programme marks the beginning of CJP’s stated plan to take its campaign to other cities, focusing on its demands for changes related to electoral-roll revision and Election Commission accountability.