What Sparked the Massive Protest at Shivaji Park Against the Chief Election Commissioner?

A significant protest erupted at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where thousands rallied against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation. Despite police opposition, demonstrators, including notable activists and celebrities, voiced their concerns over electoral transparency. The protest follows recent revelations about internal objections within the Election Commission regarding electoral roll decisions. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke criticized the government's handling of electoral issues, calling for immediate action. The event highlights growing unrest among youth regarding democratic processes in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 2, 2026, 18:31 IST

Protest at Shivaji Park

Mumbai: On Friday, despite police denying permission, a large crowd of young protesters gathered at Shivaji Park to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Numerous police and security personnel were stationed throughout central Mumbai, and barricades were set up at entry points from the nearby Dadar railway station. Nevertheless, demonstrators successfully made their way to the park, a well-known site for significant political gatherings.

The protesters waved the national flag and held signs with slogans like 'Gyanesh, don’t you trust democracy?' and 'Gaddaar Gyaanu Must Go.' Activists from the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Students' Federation (AISF) joined the protest, alongside notable figures such as actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, as well as singer Vishal Dadlani.

Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was also in attendance.

CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke addressed the crowd, criticizing the Narendra Modi-led government for its incompetence and suggesting that another protest was necessary just two months after the agitation at Jantar Mantar regarding the NEET leak.

He challenged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to arrest the protesters.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), both influential in the Dadar region, expressed their support for the CJP's demonstration.

Some local residents, however, expressed their discontent with the protest occurring in their vicinity.

Police officials stated they were vigilantly monitoring the situation to uphold law and order and ensure traffic flow remained uninterrupted.

Earlier that day, Dipke honored Mahatma Gandhi by laying flowers at his statue in south Mumbai, commemorating the birth anniversary of the nation's father.

The CJP has called for greater transparency in the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and has requested a freeze on the 2025 voter list to prevent any further alterations.

The protest was prompted by recent media reports indicating that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on multiple occasions regarding decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, some of which were made without their awareness.

The Election Commission later clarified that all decisions, including those concerning the SIR, were made unanimously by the three-member commission.