Tensions ran high at Freedom Park on Thursday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a high-decibel demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
High-profile figures including YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, actor-activist Prakash Raj, and JNU student leader Aishe Ghosh joined CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to lead a ‘People’s Tribunal’ and demand the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstration began with video testimonials showcasing individuals across Karnataka who claim their names were wrongfully erased from voter lists during the SIR exercise.
”We Have the Streets”: Dipke and Prakash Raj Address Demonstrators
Addressing a cheering crowd at the venue, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took direct aim at the ruling dispensation, alleging systematic electoral manipulation:
”Why is there vote theft? In 2024, there was a 2% difference between the ruling party and the opposition. So now they are deleting crores of votes across the country. Narendra Modi may have power, but we have the streets. We will reclaim our power from here. One nation, one election is a slogan, but the intention is one nation, one party.”
Echoing the sentiment, actor Prakash Raj alleged that marginalized communities, Adivasis, and minorities were being targeted through roll revisions.
”They have insulted the voters of the country. Adivasis, the poor, and minorities have been denied their vote. Our fight is not just about the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar; we want the SIR completely scrapped, followed by a formal investigation against him.”
Women’s Solidarity March & National Escalation
Following the ‘People’s Tribunal’, CJP Karnataka announced a symbolic ‘Women’s Solidarity March’ and ‘Chappal Protest’, inviting participants to bring footwear that will subsequently be donated to underprivileged communities.
Meanwhile, CJP leadership signaled that the Bengaluru gathering serves as a precursor to a larger national mobilization, urging supporters to assemble at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10 as part of an ongoing campaign.