CJP Plans October 2 Mumbai Protest After Shivaji Park Denial

The Cockroach Janta Party says it plans to launch an agitation in Mumbai on October 2, after it did not obtain permission for a proposed gathering at Shivaji Park. Founder Abhijeet Dipke announced a Jail Bharo Andolan, or protest involving offering arrest, but the party’s venue and final arrangements remain unsettled. Mumbai Police said it could not authorize a gathering at Shivaji Park under a Bombay High Court order and a subsequent Maharashtra government order. Police advised the applicant to seek permission for an alternative venue in Mumbai, saying a request would be considered. The police explanation was cited in a statement on September 27. Dipke said the party would proceed with the October 2 action after the permission issue. His announcement followed a demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign, which the party had made over its objections to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. CJP says it intends to begin in Mumbai and extend its agitation to other cities, though it has not confirmed a final venue or whether it has secured permission elsewhere. A CJP member said the October 2 decision was finalized at a meeting in Delhi.