Thousands Rally in Mumbai Against Voter Roll Revision on Gandhi Jayanti
Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Mumbai’s historic Shivaji Park in Dadar on Friday, October 2, 2026, to protest alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s special intensive revision exercise. Organized by the Cockroach Janta Party on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, the protest drew between 4,000 and 5,000 attendees, according to a senior police official from Dadar. Demonstrators carried the tricolour and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while police deployed approximately 800 personnel alongside riot control units to manage the unauthorized gathering.
Protest Leaders Demand Chief Election Commissioner’s Resignation
The youth-led movement mobilized thousands in Mumbai because millions of citizens face disenfranchisement. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke announced that if Mr. Kumar does not step down, supporters from across India will march to Delhi for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Protesters also called for criminal proceedings against the election commissioner, the freezing of the SIR process, the restoration of the January 2025 voter list, and the repeal of the 2023 law governing election commissioner appointments.
Public Figures and Marginalized Groups Voice Electoral Concerns
Meanwhile, 75-year-old Gopalakrishna Subbaiya Pillai suffered a fatal heart attack after experiencing chest pain during the afternoon event, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahendra Pandit.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shivaji Park Protest
What triggered the October 2 protest in Mumbai? The demonstration was organized by the Cockroach Janta Party to protest alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s special intensive revision exercise.
What are the main demands of the Cockroach Janta Party? CJP is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, criminal proceedings against him, a freeze on the SIR process, the restoration of the January 2025 voter list, and the repeal of the 2023 law regulating election commissioner appointments.
What is planned for October 10, 2026? CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke announced that if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign, supporters from across the country will march to Delhi to stage a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.