MUMBAI: Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” in Mumbai on October 2 after Mumbai Police denied permission for the outfit’s proposed protest at Shivaji Park on Gandhi Jayanti.
The CJP had planned the demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded his resignation. The outfit has also sought a freeze on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes to the legal framework governing the Election Commission.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Mumbai Police said it was not empowered to grant permission for a gathering at Shivaji Park, citing a Bombay High Court judgment and subsequent Maharashtra government orders. Police also referred to concerns over noise pollution, traffic congestion and disruption to movement in the area, and advised organisers to seek an alternative venue.
Dipke criticised the denial, saying attempts to suppress citizens’ voices were unacceptable, and subsequently announced the October 2 “Jail Bharo” protest.
The proposed agitation comes amid scrutiny of the Election Commission over allegations concerning differences in electoral-roll decisions and the SIR exercise. The Election Commission has rejected claims of a breakdown in its functioning, saying differences of view are part of institutional deliberations and that key decisions were taken unanimously.
