CJP protest in Mumbai: Security arrangements in and around Shivaji Park ahead of Jail Bharo Andolan

COCKROACH Janata Party (CJP)-led Jail Bharo Andolan is all set to begin in Mumbai's Shivaji Park.

The protest is taking place against the Election Commission and the alleged irregularities in the SIR process, despite Mumbai Police denying permission for the event.

On Friday, heavy police deployment has been seen at the protest site.
Security stepped up for CJP protest in Mumbai

Railway authorities have reportedly deployed forces in and around Dadar station and the iconic Mumbai park, reported PTI.

Ahead of the protest, security has been beefed up around Shivaji Park, with police personnel, including women officers. Reportedly, teams from other agencies have been placed at key points to maintain law and order, an official said.

In several images, barricades were seen installed at several major access points to the park as a precautionary measure.

Residents oppose protest in Shivaji Park

The planned protest has drawn opposition from residents in the surrounding area. Many of them raised concerns about the event, citing inconvenience to locals.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das urged residents of Mumbai to join the protest.

Resident Sunil Bhagwat said that frequent protests were causing inconvenience to residents who visit the park for walks.

"We come here for walks in this park, but many protests have been happening here recently. Who is responsible for the troubles being caused to the common people? Did the Constitution not explain your duties towards the rest of the people? Who is responsible for the problems the common man here faces?" he told ANI.

Another resident, Ravindra, alleged that the large gathering caused traffic issues alongside inconvenience to residents.

"The previous time these people protested, they said that it was a spontaneous protest. There was such a huge crowd that it reached Dadar Shivaji Park station itself. Bottles of liquor were thrown at those who came here," he added to ANI.

What are the demands by protesters?

CJP announced its protest, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The CJP has also demanded transparency in the appointment of the CEC alongside demands for freezing of the 2025 voter list, adding that it should not be "tampered with further".

CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday reacted and said that "fake narrative" is being pushed against the Election Commission, which had been "busted" following the Election Commissioner's denial via a press statement.

Fadnavis said, as per ANI, “The entire matter has been exposed. Following the press conference held by the three Election Commissioners, their fake narrative has been busted. Yet, attempts are still being made to push this fake narrative. They will not succeed in this.”

The allegations erupted after media reports found that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Reportedly, some of these, they claimed were issued without their knowledge.