The protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar attracted a significant turnout at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where thousands of young individuals participated. They carried a variety of placards that conveyed their discontent with the Election Commission and its leadership, chanting slogans such as “Gyanu must go” and “Democracy saaf.” The event was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which called for Kumar’s resignation, despite police denying permission for the demonstration.

Security forces were deployed in large numbers throughout central Mumbai, particularly around Dadar railway station, which was barricaded to control the flow of participants. However, this did not deter the attendees from reaching the iconic venue, known for hosting major political events. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, as people voiced their demands for a transparent electoral process.

Demands for Transparency and Accountability

The primary demands raised during the protest included calls for increased transparency in the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and a halt to the 2025 voter list revision, which the CJP argued should not be altered any further. This agitation was spurred by recent revelations suggesting that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised concerns on multiple occasions regarding decisions tied to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Creative slogans and innovative placards punctuated the event, with messages like “Gyanu, Tujha Democracy Var Bharosa Nay Kay?” (Gyanesh, don’t you trust democracy?) and “Gaddaar Gyaanu Must Go” resonating with the crowd. Activists from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) were also prominent among the attendees, indicating a strong student presence in the movement.

Prominent personalities also lent their support, including veteran actors like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, singer Vishal Dadlani, and activist Tushar Gandhi, who is related to Mahatma Gandhi. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke addressed the crowd, emphasising the perceived incompetence of the central government, noting that another protest was needed less than two months after a similar gathering regarding the NEET leak issue.

Government Response and Local Sentiments

The agitation received backing from local political entities such as the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, both of which hold considerable influence in the Dadar region. However, some local residents expressed opposition to the protest occurring in their neighbourhood, raising concerns about disruptions.

Police officials maintained a vigilant presence during the event, ensuring the safety of the participants and monitoring traffic conditions. Earlier in the day, CJP leader Dipke paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in south Mumbai, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The CJP’s call for Kumar’s resignation stemmed from media reports indicating that Sandhu and Joshi had objected to various electoral decisions, some of which were reportedly made without their agreement.

In response to these allegations, the Election Commission clarified that all decisions made by its three-member panel, including those related to the Special Intensive Revision, were voted on unanimously. Despite the police presence and local objections, the event united a diverse group of individuals, including students, cultural figures, and political supporters, who all gathered around the CJP’s demands about the Chief Election Commissioner and electoral integrity.

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