Tensions surrounding the electoral watchdog have intensified as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) served an ultimatum demanding the departure of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Party leader Abhijeet Dipke declared on Friday that demonstrators will converge on Delhi's historic Jantar Mantar on October 10 if the CEC does not step down from his post. The call follows an energetic gathering at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Gandhi Jayanti, where Dipke first floated the prospect of launching a Jantar Mantar 2.0 demonstration in the capital.
The March to Delhi and Commitment to Peaceful Action
Reinforcing the party's stance late at night, Dipke took to social platform X to rally support across various states. He stated that if Gyanesh Kumar refuses to step aside, cadres and supporters from across India will march directly toward Delhi for the planned demonstration on October 10. Dipke issued a direct message regarding potential administrative barricades, noting in a post on X that wherever law enforcement tries to halt the demonstrators, that specific spot will become their new Jantar Mantar. The political outfit emphasized that their public action will strictly adhere to peaceful methods, following the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi.
Police Scrutiny and the Shadow of Past Crackdowns
Dipke addressed Delhi Police and administrative authorities directly regarding how the forthcoming assembly will be managed. He insisted that the choice lies with the government and security forces on whether to respect the fundamental right to peaceful assembly or reenact the high-handed measures witnessed on July 20. On July 20, police cracked down heavily on CJP activists who had gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Dipke framed the confrontation as a decisive struggle to preserve democratic norms, urging citizens who value impartial and transparent elections to back the initiative.
Mass Turnout and Slogans at Mumbai's Shivaji Park
The build-up to the Delhi confrontation was clearly visible during the Gandhi Jayanti demonstration at Shivaji Park, located barely a 10-minute walk from Dadar Beach. Despite the absence of formal police permission, thousands of young men and women assembled at the historic public ground following the party's mobilisation drive. Carrying placards of various dimensions aimed at the Election Commission and Gyanesh Kumar, the crowd voiced slogans such as “Gyanu”, “Gyanesh, bas ho gaya bhai”, “Gyanu must go”, and “Clean up democracy”. Protesters also introduced cinematic banter to the rally, waving signs proclaiming, “Who stole my vote, o sanam? Gyanu did”, highlighting their escalating opposition.
