Then Dharmendra Pradhan, now Gyanesh Kumar: CJP announces Jantar Mantar 2.0

The CJP, which spearheaded a massive month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar just months ago over exam paper leaks, forcing Dharmendra Pradhan to quit as Education Minister, has now announced a return to Delhi's OG protest site.

In Short

• CJP plans fresh protest at Jantar Mantar if Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign
• CEC Gyanesh Kumar has been accused by CJP of SIR irregularities
• Mumbai protest drew over 10,000, with actors and artists also taking part

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced plans to return to Delhi's Jantar Mantar for a fresh protest on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign. A day after thousands turned up at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park to protest against the CEC despite police denying permission, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke indicated plans to escalate its agitation.

The CJP, which spearheaded a massive month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar just months ago over exam paper leaks, forcing Dharmendra Pradhan to quit as Education Minister, has sought Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

DIPKE'S 'JULY 20' REMINDER TO DELHI POLICE

The immediate trigger for the CJP protest against Kumar was an Indian Express investigation that revealed an internal rift within the Election Commission.

"If Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign, cockroaches from across India will march to Delhi and protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10," Dipke tweeted.

"If Delhi Police tries to stop us, wherever they stop us will become our Jantar Mantar," he further said.

Dipke, however, made it clear that the demonstration would be peaceful, warning Delhi Police and the government against repeating the "brutality" witnessed on July 20.

"We will walk on the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi. It is up to the govt and the Delhi Police whether they respect our right to peaceful protest or repeat the brutality we witnessed on July 20," Dipke said.

Calling the protest a fight to "save our democracy", Dipke urged citizens who want "free and fair elections" to join their protest.

The mention of July 20 is significant. Dramatic scenes played out in the heart of the national capital as thousands of student protesters clashed with police during a march to Parliament.

Several student protesters as well as multiple personnel from Delhi Police, the RAF and the CRPF were injured during the protests as it spiralled out of control.

Videos and images later surfaced showing protesters with pellet injuries, prompting allegations that the RAF fired metal pellets at students.

The matter reached the Supreme Court in August. The top court has formed a high-powered committee to probe the violence and allegations of police excesses.

MUMBAI PROTEST DRAWS THOUSANDS

The Jantar Mantar 2.0 announcement came after the CJP's Mumbai agitation drew over 10,000 protesters. Among them were veteran actors Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah and singer and composer Vishal Dadlani.

The agitation was marked by strokes of creativity, similar to what was seen during the July Jantar Mantar protest.

Placards carrying 'Gyanu must go', 'Democracy saaf' were spotted at the protest site. Bollywood songs also got a Gen Z twist - 'Vote churaya mera, kisne o sanam? Gyanu ne' (Who stole my vote, my love? Gyanesh did).

Taking the stage, Dipke warned that if the CEC didn't resign, it would prompt nationwide Gen Z marches. "If Gyanu doesn't resign, Nandu will have to resign, because he is the one actually rigging elections," Dipke said.

- Ends