Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended her support to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Her remarks came as the organisation intensified its agitation in Mumbai and Delhi over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport on October 2, after returning from a meeting of the INDIA bloc in Delhi, Banerjee expressed solidarity with the organisation, students and young protesters.
“We are fully supporting the Cockroach (Janta) Party and all the young generation and students. And my humble request, please stop these atrocities,” she said.
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The statement marks another instance of Banerjee publicly supporting the organisation’s protests. CJP has demanded Kumar’s resignation and announced further demonstrations across the country.
CJP Launches Nationwide Protest Against Gyanesh Kumar
The Cockroach Janta Party began its nationwide agitation on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The organisation launched its initial protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
CJP has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Its campaign centres on allegations concerning electoral roll revisions and demands for greater accountability in the functioning of the Election Commission.
The organisation has said it intends to continue its agitation until Kumar steps down.
The protests have also drawn attention to the wider debate surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
CJP has announced plans to expand its campaign to other cities, including Delhi. Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, has indicated that the organisation intends to sustain the movement through further demonstrations.
Mamata Makes Appeal to Stop Alleged Atrocities
Banerjee expressed support for the protesters while appealing for an end to what she described as atrocities.
Her statement came amid demonstrations in different parts of the country over electoral issues.
The former Chief Minister specifically mentioned the younger generation and students while expressing solidarity with CJP.
Her remarks also followed her participation in an INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi, where opposition leaders discussed political developments.
Banerjee has previously supported CJP’s protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examination.
In August, she expressed support for the organisation’s demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Her latest statement extends that public support to the current agitation seeking action against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Special Intensive Revision Remains at Centre of Protest
The Special Intensive Revision, commonly known as SIR, has become a major subject of political debate.
The exercise involves reviewing and updating electoral rolls. However, opposition groups and CJP have raised concerns about its implementation and the possible consequences for voters.
CJP has linked its demand for Kumar’s resignation to these concerns.
The organisation has also called for changes in the functioning of the Election Commission.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, maintains that electoral roll revision follows established legal procedures.
The controversy has drawn attention from political parties, civil society groups and activists, with questions surrounding voter inclusion and the transparency of electoral processes.
Banerjee’s support has added another prominent political voice to the debate.
CJP Plans Further Demonstration at Jantar Mantar
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced plans for another major protest in Delhi on October 10.
According to the organisation, the proposed demonstration will take place at Jantar Mantar if Gyanesh Kumar does not resign.
Dipke has described the planned agitation as peaceful and urged citizens who support free and fair elections to participate.
The organisation has also indicated that its campaign will continue beyond the initial demonstrations.
The proposed Delhi protest follows the October 2 agitation in Mumbai and the wider mobilisation surrounding electoral roll revision.
The demonstrations have brought together activists and supporters demanding changes in the Election Commission’s functioning.
Delhi Police Imposes Restrictions Amid Protest Plans
The proposed demonstrations in Delhi have also prompted security measures.
Delhi Police imposed restrictions around the Jantar Mantar area amid plans for the October 2 protest.
The developments came as different groups sought to raise their concerns over the Chief Election Commissioner and the electoral roll revision process.
The protest campaign has also attracted attention from opposition parties and student groups.
CJP has maintained that its demonstrations will remain peaceful while pursuing its demands.
Mamata’s Support Adds Political Dimension to Agitation
Banerjee’s statement has brought the CJP agitation further into the political discussion surrounding the Election Commission.
Her support for the organisation and its young members comes at a time when opposition parties have raised questions about electoral processes and institutional accountability.
The CJP campaign, meanwhile, continues to focus on Kumar’s resignation and changes to the functioning of the poll body.
The demands and allegations remain part of an ongoing political and public debate.
Banerjee’s remarks also underline her continued engagement with issues raised by student groups and youth-led movements.
Debate Over Electoral Accountability Continues
The agitation seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s removal has become a prominent development in the ongoing discussion over electoral transparency.
CJP has announced further protests, while its leadership continues to press for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
Banerjee’s public endorsement has added to the attention surrounding the campaign.
Her appeal to stop alleged atrocities, along with her support for students and young protesters, formed the central message of her October 2 statement.
As the organisation prepares for its proposed October 10 demonstration in Delhi, the debate over electoral roll revision, voter rights and accountability within the Election Commission is expected to remain in focus.
The developments have placed the CJP agitation among the latest issues drawing attention from opposition leaders and political observers across the country.
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