Akansha singh, Bhopal: Posters, slogans and pop-culture references become the language of protest. Mumbai witnessed a colourful and unusual protest on October 2, as members and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered at Shivaji Park demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
What happened?
The protest focused on the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters carried messages such as “Gyanu Must Go” and “Gyanesh BRO, JUST RESIGN”, while some posters used Marathi phrases questioning the Election Commission’s approach to democracy.
The unusual presentation attracted attention as photographs and videos from the protest circulated across social media and news platforms.
Who organised the protest?
The demonstration was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, with activists, students and young participants joining the gathering. Public figures from the film and music industries were also reported to have attended the protest.
Why were protesters demanding his resignation?
At the centre of the protest was opposition to the SIR exercise and concerns over electoral rolls. CJP has alleged that the process could affect the integrity of voter lists and has demanded that the 2025 electoral roll be protected from further changes.
The controversy has also involved reports about disagreements among election officials over certain decisions. These reports have added another layer to the debate surrounding the Election Commission.
What does the Election Commission say?
The Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that internal disagreements affected its final decisions. It has maintained that decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously by the three Election Commissioners.
This means the protest’s allegations and the Election Commission’s response represent two different positions in an ongoing public debate.
What next?
CJP has indicated that the campaign may continue beyond Mumbai. Its representatives have spoken about taking the protest to Delhi and potentially organising further demonstrations.
A protest in the language of the internet generation
What made the Mumbai gathering stand out was its presentation. From Bollywood-style references to witty placards, protesters turned a serious electoral issue into a visually striking public campaign. The slogans were designed to be easily understood, photographed and shared—giving the protest a strong presence both on the streets and online.