Archive · 3 Oct 2026
CJP Launches Mumbai Protest Season, Demands Gyanesh Kumar’s Ouster
The Cockroach Janta Party held a protest in Mumbai asking for election chief Gyanesh Kumar to be removed.
The rally took place at Shivaji Park, even though police had not given permission.
The party said a large crowd came, and several well-known actors, musicians, and filmmakers joined its leaders on stage.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group would hold more demonstrations in other states during October.
He also announced a march to Jantar Mantar in Delhi on October 10.
The party criticized the police response to a separate protest in Delhi and praised Mumbai Police for cooperating.
Some local residents protested against holding a gathering at Shivaji Park.
Separately, the CPI and AISF protested against the SIR in Nashik and called for Gyanesh Kumar’s arrest.
The Cockroach Janta Party began its second season of protests at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal.
The gathering drew a large crowd despite police denying permission, citing a Bombay High Court order restricting gatherings at the venue.
Actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, singer-songwriter Vishal Dadlani, and filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Vishal Bhardwaj appeared with CJP leaders.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced a march to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10 and protests planned in several states through October.
A local group staged a counter-protest over the use of Shivaji Park, while the CPI and AISF held an anti-SIR protest in Nashik.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, with entertainers and supporters; a local group also held a counter-protest.
- What
- CJP launched a protest season demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal.
- When
- Friday; the article does not specify the date. Dipke announced a march for October 10.
- Where
- Shivaji Park in Mumbai; related protests were also reported in Nashik and Delhi.
- Why
- CJP said it was mobilising against Gyanesh Kumar and the SIR; the article does not detail its specific allegations against Kumar.
CJP and supporters
Critics of the rally
Holding a protest at Shivaji Park
CJP and supporters
CJP proceeded with the rally and supporters gathered despite the denial of permission.
Critics of the rally
Police cited restrictions under a Bombay High Court order, and a local group said Shivaji Park was not meant for public demonstrations.
- Organiser
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- Protest venue
- Shivaji Park, Mumbai
- Main demand
- Removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Permission
- Police denied permission, citing a Bombay High Court order restricting gatherings at Shivaji Park
- Announced march
- Jantar Mantar, October 10
- Planned mobilisation
- Demonstrations and public mobilisation programmes across states through October
- Other protest
- CPI and AISF protested against the SIR in Nashik and sought Gyanesh Kumar’s arrest