The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has reiterated that it will launch a nationwide agitation from Mumbai on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, after its ultimatum demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar expired on Saturday, September 26.
The decision was finalised at a meeting in Delhi, according to a party member. Mumbai’s Azad Maidan is the likely venue, although permission from the police is yet to be secured. The party’s demand comes amid a wider controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of irregularities in the electoral process.
While Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has supported the October 2 protest, other Opposition parties are planning separate demonstrations. The CJP has said the agitation will begin in Mumbai before spreading to other cities across the country.
Mumbai To Host October 2 Protest
The CJP’s proposed agitation follows its demand for Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls. The organisation announced the protest after giving the CEC a deadline to step down, warning that it would launch a nationwide movement if he failed to comply. The decision to begin the agitation on October 2 was confirmed at a meeting held in Delhi on Saturday, September 26.
According to a CJP member quoted by The Times of India, Mumbai has been chosen as the starting point, with Azad Maidan emerging as the likely venue. However, the location has not been finalised because the organisation is yet to receive police permission. Akshay Shinde, the party’s national secretary (organisation), said the group would continue seeking permission for the demonstration.
CJP founder and convener Abhijeet Dipke had earlier announced the plan on social media, stating, “If Gyanesh Kumar does not resign by tomorrow, CJP will begin its nationwide protest from Mumbai on 2 October, and take it to cities across India.” The party has also appealed to citizens to participate in the agitation, describing it as a campaign to protect democratic rights.
Opposition Plans Separate Protests
The CJP’s announcement comes as Opposition parties continue to raise concerns over the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls. However, there is no unified Opposition response to the proposed October 2 agitation. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has said his party, along with its alliance partner Shiv Sena (UBT), will organise a separate protest in Mumbai on October 4. At the same time, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has extended support to the CJP’s October 2 demonstration.
Responding to the announcement, Aaditya wrote on social media, “If Gyanesh doesn’t go, Mumbai will step out against Vote Chori from 2nd October, in huge numbers!!” Dipke welcomed his support, calling for people across political affiliations to come together against the SIR exercise. The Congress, meanwhile, has decided to organise its own protests rather than join the CJP-led agitation.
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee has announced demonstrations across the state on September 28, demanding Kumar’s dismissal and arrest. The separate plans highlight differences in how political groups intend to address their concerns over the electoral process, even as they raise questions about the Election Commission’s functioning.
Background To Election Commission Row
The CJP’s demand for Kumar’s resignation follows a controversy over the Election Commission’s handling of the SIR of electoral rolls. The debate intensified after a report by The Indian Express stated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections to certain decisions concerning the revision process over a period of 10 months. The report triggered questions about the decision-making process within the three-member poll body.
The Election Commission, however, has maintained that decisions, including those relating to the SIR, were taken with the approval of all three commissioners. The CJP has alleged that the electoral process has been compromised and has called for Kumar’s resignation, a halt to upcoming elections, a freeze on the SIR exercise and the restoration of the January 2025 electoral rolls. It has also demanded an independent inquiry into decisions concerning the revision and the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners.
These remain the organisation’s demands and allegations, rather than established findings of wrongdoing. The proposed October 2 agitation is the latest step in its campaign, which has also included calls for Opposition parties to reconsider participating in elections while raising concerns about alleged irregularities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The independence and credibility of electoral institutions are essential to public confidence in a democracy. Questions surrounding voter registration, electoral-roll revisions and the functioning of the Election Commission deserve transparent answers, particularly when they concern citizens’ right to participate in elections. At the same time, allegations of electoral wrongdoing must be examined through credible evidence, due process and impartial investigation rather than treated as established facts without verification.
Peaceful demonstrations are a democratic means of expressing public concerns, and every stakeholder has a responsibility to ensure that dissent does not turn into hostility or intimidation. Political parties, constitutional institutions and citizens must engage in constructive dialogue, respect differing viewpoints and work towards safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. As the CJP prepares for its proposed nationwide agitation, how can citizens and political parties ensure that concerns about electoral transparency are addressed through peaceful, accountable and meaningful democratic action?
Time’s Up!
— Cockroach Janta Party – CJP (@Cockroachisback) September 26, 2026
Our nationwide agitation starts from Mumbai on 2nd October. pic.twitter.com/1Jh3koX2bv
