'Raise your voice': Shabana Azmi urges citizens to join CJP protest demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation

Shabana Azmi pic credits- (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was among those who joined the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Jail Bharo' protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday. Addressing the gathering, she appealed to the citizens to raise their voice and expressed support for CJP's demand seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Shabana Azmi joins Mumbai's CJP protest

Addressing protestors, the veteran actor started her speech by identifying herself with the city, saying, "I am Mumbai chi mulagi." She described voting as a constitutional right and encouraged people to step out, question authorities and make their voices heard. "This is our land. The Constitution has given us the right to vote, and it is your right, " Azmi said.

Shabana Azmi on 'right to vote'

She added, "Our vote is our right; it is our voice. We have been hearing this since childhood. But when our right is snatched away from us, when our names are removed from the electoral rolls, what will we do? We will protest. This is our right. Today, look around and see how far your eyes can reach; this is the victory of democracy. Because we have recognised our own strength, and we have realised that we do not have to tolerate anything wrong, because this is our country, our Constitution has given us this right. So, many congratulations to all of you."

Azmi has also previously participated in a CJP-led protest in Delhi over alleged NEET paper-leak irregularities. The Delhi demonstrations had continued for several weeks and raised demands for accountability over alleged discrepancies in competitive examinations.

Celebs who extended their support

Shabana was not the only member of the film fraternity at the CJP Mumbai protest. Vishal Dadlani, filmmaker and composer Vishal Bhardwaj and singer Rekha Bhardwaj also marked their presence. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was seen at the site as well, where he met CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.

Actor Prakash Raj also extended his support through a video message. He said, "Happy Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti. But as we celebrate, we should not forget that certain goons are celebrating Godse, who killed our Mahatma. And these are the same goons who are trying to kill our citizenship, our democracy through SIR. But the youth of this country, the civil society, the cockroaches will not let this happen."