Hundreds of protesters gathered at Shivaji Park on Friday for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) agitation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, despite Mumbai Police having denied permission for the gathering. The crowd began building up near Gate 6 from around 2.30 pm, ahead of the scheduled 4 pm protest. By the evening, young protesters, student groups and activists had filled the area, carrying the Tricolour and placards with slogans including “Gyanu, Tujha Democracy Var Bharosa Nay Kay?”, “Gyanesh BRO, JUST RESIGN” and “Gaddaar Gyaanu Must Go”. 

Cops deployed

Mumbai Police had denied permission for the protest before Friday, citing restrictions governing Shivaji Park, lack of civic clearance and concerns over traffic and emergency access. A police officer told this paper that around 500 personnel had been deployed. The CJP had described the gathering as a “Jail Bharo Andolan”, saying its volunteers were prepared to face detention.