The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced plans for protest marches in Goa, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ranchi as part of its campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke made the announcement at a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

CJP Announces Protests in Multiple Cities

The announcement comes ahead of a CJP protest planned at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on October 2. Dipke said the organisation would continue its agitation until Gyanesh Kumar resigns as Chief Election Commissioner.

CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde said the organisation plans to hold protest marches in Goa, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ranchi following the Mumbai demonstration. The group also said its campaign could reach Jantar Mantar in Delhi later this month.

What Is CJP Demanding?

At the Mumbai press conference, Dipke demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for criminal action against him.

CJP has also called for greater transparency in the process of appointing Election Commissioners and said civil society should have a role in the process.

The organisation has separately raised concerns over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and has demanded an inquiry into the process.

Why Is CJP Protesting?

The protest comes amid an ongoing political debate over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and reports concerning differences within the poll panel over aspects of the exercise.

CJP has criticised the Election Commission's handling of the electoral-roll revision process and has questioned the deletion of names from draft electoral rolls.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained that decisions relating to SIR were taken unanimously. Reports about differences within the poll panel have also been part of the wider debate surrounding the electoral-roll revision exercise.

CJP's Planned Mumbai Protest

The organisation has announced a protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on October 2. Dipke appealed to political parties and members of the public to join the agitation but said CJP would not be part of INDIA bloc protests.

CJP leaders also appealed to participants to carry the national flag rather than party flags. The organisation has described the Mumbai demonstration as part of a wider campaign that will continue in other cities.

Protests Planned Beyond Mumbai

According to CJP leaders, protests are planned in Goa, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ranchi after the Mumbai demonstration. The organisation has also said that the campaign could culminate in a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi later in October.

The planned demonstrations come as several political groups have separately raised concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission and the electoral-roll revision process.

Other Protests Over Election Commission

The CJP announcement comes alongside other planned political demonstrations concerning the Election Commission. Maharashtra political leaders Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have also announced a joint protest in Mumbai on October 4 over the functioning of the poll body.

What Happens Next?

  • CJP's Mumbai protest is scheduled for October 2, 2026.
  • The organisation has announced plans for protest marches in Goa, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ranchi.
  • CJP says its campaign will continue until its demand regarding Gyanesh Kumar is addressed.
  • The organisation has called for changes to the process of appointing Election Commissioners.
  • The protests are taking place amid continuing political debate over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Sources

  • The Indian Express — report on CJP's planned protests and demands.
  • The New Indian Express — report on CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke's statements.
  • Business Standard — report on the planned October 2 protest and CJP's demands.
  • Outlook India — report on CJP's protest agenda and the Election Commission's position.