CJP Announces Nationwide Protest From October 2 If CEC Gyanesh Kumar Does Not Resign

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced plans to launch a nationwide protest from October 2 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign. CJP founder and national convenor Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation would begin its campaign in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti and subsequently take the protest to other parts of the country.

The announcement comes after the CJP issued a 48-hour ultimatum seeking Kumar's resignation. The organisation has raised objections to the Election Commission's functioning, particularly over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Dipke has also indicated that the CJP could organise another major demonstration in Delhi, which the organisation has referred to as “Jantar Mantar 2.0”.

The party is demanding a halt to the SIR exercise and has called for an independent review of decisions connected with electoral-roll revision. It has also sought changes to the existing framework governing the appointment of Election Commissioners. The Election Commission has defended its decision-making process, maintaining that decisions taken by the poll panel, including those relating to SIR, have been unanimous. The commission has also rejected suggestions that differences within the institution amount to a breakdown in its functioning.

The CJP's announcement comes amid wider political criticism of the Election Commission over electoral-roll revisions. Opposition leaders have raised questions about the SIR process, while the BJP has rejected allegations of electoral manipulation. The proposed October 2 mobilisation is expected to keep the debate over electoral rolls, voter verification and the functioning of the Election Commission in the public spotlight. The next major development will depend on whether the CJP's resignation deadline is met and whether the organisation proceeds with its planned nationwide agitation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.