Dadar Residents Oppose CJP's Planned Shivaji Park Protest Against Election Chief
Residents in Mumbai's Dadar neighbourhood have opposed a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Shivaji Park on Friday, raising concerns over disruptions to peace in the area as the political group prepares to launch a nationwide agitation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Voicing objections to the demonstration scheduled at the prominent ground, a local Dadar resident told reporters that the demonstration was being pushed against local wishes. Opposing the gathering, the resident stated, "They are doing it forcefully. This protest should not take place," noting that frequent demonstrations disturb the peace of the residential locality.
The CJP announced that the Friday demonstration at Shivaji Park marks the start of a countrywide movement over allegations that the electoral process and voting rights are being undermined. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das stated that the agitation would spread across various parts of India and conclude only if Kumar stepped down from his post. Das said the broken and corrupt system was harming the futures of young people, arguing that meaningful societal reform is impossible if citizens are stripped of the right to vote.
Party spokesperson Abhijit Dipke stated that the organisers expect the Mumbai Police to cooperate and allow the protest to proceed peacefully. Dipke pointed out that earlier demonstrations held at the same venue in support of the party had received police cooperation. He added that the youth would not be deterred from raising their concerns, remarking on issues concerning youth voting rights while also alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral victories were tied to calculations made by Kumar.
The planned protest forms part of the CJP's broader push demanding Kumar's resignation alongside changes to the appointment process and functioning of the Election Commission. The gathering at Shivaji Park follows an earlier decision by the Mumbai Police denying the CJP permission to stage an October 2 demonstration at the same venue, after which the party had announced a "Jail Bharo Andolan".
