Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Thousands Protest in Mumbai, Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
Thousands of people went to Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Friday.
They were attending a protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party.
The protesters wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
They carried flags and signs and chanted slogans.
Party leader Abhijeet Dipke criticized the Union government and challenged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to arrest them.
Police had not approved the protest and sent many officers to the area.
Police also moved a group of 10 to 15 people away after they raised slogans nearby.
Some well-known actors, a musician and an activist attended.
Some people who live nearby said they did not want the protest in their neighbourhood.
Thousands gathered at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Friday for a Cockroach Janata Party protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
One report estimated attendance at nearly 5,000; other reports described the crowd as thousands.
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke called the Union government “incompetent” and challenged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to jail the protesters.
Protesters carried national flags and placards and raised slogans against Kumar; police had denied permission and deployed security personnel.
Attendees included actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, musician Vishal Dadlani and activist Tushar Gandhi; some local residents opposed the protest.
- Who
- Thousands of protesters, including Cockroach Janata Party members and supporters, attended; the protest targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- A protest demanding Kumar’s resignation was held, with CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke criticizing government leaders.
- When
- Friday; one report said the protest was held on Gandhi Jayanti.
- Where
- Shivaji Park, Mumbai.
- Why
- Organizers said they sought Kumar’s resignation and accountability from the Election Commission, citing alleged threats to democracy.
Protest organizers and supporters
Critics and authorities
Demand for Kumar’s resignation
Protest organizers and supporters
CJP and its supporters demanded Gyanesh Kumar resign, framing the protest as a call for democratic rights and accountability.
Critics and authorities
The reports do not provide a detailed response from Kumar or the Election Commission; police had denied permission for the protest.
Holding the protest at Shivaji Park
Protest organizers and supporters
Protesters gathered despite the denial of permission, and Dipke challenged Fadnavis to send them to jail.
Critics and authorities
Police deployed security and monitored the area to maintain law and order and limit traffic disruption; some local residents voiced opposition to the protest in their neighbourhood.
- Organizer
- Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)
- Location
- Shivaji Park, Mumbai
- Reported attendance
- Nearly 5,000 in one report; other reports said thousands
- Main demand
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
- Police response
- Permission was denied; police and security personnel were deployed, and nearby entry routes were barricaded.
- Notable attendees
- Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Dadlani and Tushar Gandhi
- Other groups reported
- Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were reported as present or supportive.
Sources
Protests held in Mumbai, Delhi against CEC Kumar
‘Go Gyanu Go’: Thousands Join CJP Protest At Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
CEC must go: Thousands turn up for CJP's protest
