CJP's big announcement after Dharmendra Pradhan: Gyanesh Kumar next
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke has labeled Gyanesh Kumar a traitor, vowing to continue protests until he resigns.
The demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has intensified over irregularities in the Special Intensive Review of voter lists, or SIR. Protesters have gathered at Shivaji Park in Mumbai to demand his resignation. A large number of security personnel have been deployed in the area ahead of the protest. This demonstration is taking place at Gate Number Six of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park. It is expected that several prominent personalities, including actress Shabana Azmi and singer-musician Vishal Dadlani, will participate.
Famous actor Naseeruddin Shah also attended the CJP protest.
CJP had previously appealed to citizens to join this protest. According to the organization, this protest in Mumbai marks the beginning of a series of proposed protests and public mobilization campaigns across the country during October.
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke stated that,
“Demonstrations will be held in various cities under the campaign, and ultimately there will be a movement at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The organization has made it clear that it is prepared to continue the protests until Gyanesh Kumar resigns.”
The controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has escalated following an investigative report by 'The Indian Express'. The report claimed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over decisions and processes related to the SIR over a span of ten months. Some of these decisions and orders were said to have been issued without their knowledge.
Dipke claimed that approximately 13 crore voters' names have been removed from the voter lists since 2024. He linked this figure of name removals to a slight difference in vote percentage between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He argued that such a large-scale change in voter lists could influence electoral outcomes.
However, the Election Commission has dismissed these allegations. The Commission stated on Saturday that all major decisions, including the special intensive review of voter lists, were made unanimously by the full Commission. The Commission asserts that contrary to the allegations regarding the decisions of the three-member Election Commission, the decisions related to the SIR were also made with the consent of all members.
At a press event held at the Mumbai Press Club, Dipke reiterated the demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. He warned that if the Chief Election Commissioner does not resign, CJP will continue its protests across the country.
Dipke said,
“Gyanesh Kumar is a traitor. Until he resigns from his position, we will stand firm. Gyanesh Kumar should resign, and action should be taken against him for criminal charges.”
CJP leaders also questioned the Mumbai police's refusal to grant permission for the protest. They stated that,
“If Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis can hold a political rally at Shivaji Park, then CJP should also be allowed to protest there. According to PTI, Dipke said, ‘I am not afraid of going to jail. I will come back again and again to protest.’”
CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde stated that,
“This campaign will not be limited to Mumbai. The organization plans to hold protests in Goa, Bengaluru, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Patna, and Ranchi as well. Through these protests, the demand for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation will be raised in different parts of the country.”
Shinde added,
“Protests will be held in Goa, Bengaluru, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Patna, and Ranchi. If Kumar does not resign, protests will be held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from the end of October.”
Those involved in the movement have also clarified that their campaign will remain independent. The organization will not participate in the opposition's protest scheduled for October 6 against the Election Commission. CJP will continue its separate protests and public mobilization as per its announced plan.
In view of the proposed protest at Shivaji Park, railway officials have increased security at Dadar station. According to a spokesperson for Central Railway, approximately 40 additional personnel, including Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, have been deployed at the station. A spokesperson for Western Railway stated that 50 additional staff and RPF personnel have been assigned duty.
Dadar station is part of both the Western and Central Railway networks. It is considered one of the busiest railway stations in Mumbai and is also among the major stations closest to Shivaji Park. The Mumbai police have denied permission for the proposed protest. The police cited restrictions on gatherings at Shivaji Park, lack of necessary permissions from the relevant civic body, and the potential disruption of traffic and emergency vehicles as reasons.
This protest is taking place amid the controversy over the SIR and disagreements among election commissioners. CJP is demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, while the Election Commission maintains its stance that all decisions, including the SIR, were made unanimously.