Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Mumbai Police Deny CJP Protest, Founder Threatens Jail Bharo
The Cockroach Janta Party wanted to hold a protest in Mumbai on October 2.
The protest was about the Election Commission’s work on updating voter lists.
Police said the group could not use Shivaji Park.
They referred to court and government rules that restrict rallies there.
They also said the park is a quiet area near homes and hospitals.
Police said a civic approval letter was missing and traffic could become difficult.
The party’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, said the group might start a “Jail Bharo” protest instead.
He also claimed that Meta removed online videos supporting the campaign, but Meta had not commented.
Mumbai Police denied permission for the Cockroach Janta Party’s October 2 protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
Police cited High Court and Maharashtra government orders, the venue’s silence-zone status, missing civic approval and traffic concerns.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke threatened a “Jail Bharo” movement in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti if protest rights were denied.
The protest seeks Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities and controversial decisions involving the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Police advised applicant Ajinkya Shinde to seek an alternative Mumbai venue; Dipke also alleged Meta removed related videos, but Meta had not responded.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party, founder Abhijeet Dipke, applicant Ajinkya Shinde, Mumbai Police, the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- Mumbai Police denied permission for a CJP protest seeking action against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged SIR-related irregularities and decisions.
- When
- The application was submitted on September 26; the protest was planned for October 2, Gandhi Jayanti; police announced the denial on Sunday.
- Where
- The proposed protest venue was Shivaji Park in Mumbai; police suggested seeking an alternative venue in Mumbai.
- Why
- Police cited court and government orders, Shivaji Park’s silence-zone designation, missing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation approval, noise concerns and possible traffic disruption affecting emergency vehicles.
Protest Organizers
Authorities and Election Commission
Purpose of the protest
Protest Organizers
The Cockroach Janta Party says it is protesting alleged irregularities and controversial, allegedly unilateral decisions connected with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and is demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Authorities and Election Commission
The Election Commission of India says differing views and observations are normal during institutional deliberations and that its orders have full legal sanction and follow statutory procedures.
Permission for Shivaji Park
Protest Organizers
Abhijeet Dipke said denying permission suppresses citizens’ voices and questioned why Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had previously delivered a speech at Shivaji Park.
Authorities and Election Commission
Mumbai Police said it is not empowered to approve gatherings there under High Court and Maharashtra government orders. It also cited the park’s silence-zone status, missing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation approval and risks to traffic and emergency access.
Online campaign restrictions
Protest Organizers
Dipke alleged that Meta was removing hundreds of videos demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and banning accounts at the request of the BJP government, calling it a free-speech violation.
Authorities and Election Commission
Meta had not issued a reaction by late Sunday night, so the allegation had not received a response from the company in the reports.
- Organiser
- Cockroach Janta Party
- Founder
- Abhijeet Dipke
- Applicant
- Ajinkya Shinde
- Proposed date
- October 2, Gandhi Jayanti
- Proposed venue
- Shivaji Park, Mumbai
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Police reasons
- Court and government orders, missing civic approval, silence-zone restrictions and traffic concerns
- Additional claim
- Dipke alleged Meta removed videos and banned accounts; Meta had not responded by Sunday night
