The Cockroach Janta Party demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has escalated its calls for accountability within India’s electoral system by demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over voter rights and procedural integrity. During a press conference held on Thursday, CJP national convener Abhijeet Dipke announced that the party would initiate a nationwide protest campaign if Kumar does not resign within 48 hours. This warning includes the potential for a repeat of previous protests held at Jantar Mantar, a prominent site for public demonstrations in New Delhi.
“If Gyanesh Kumar does not resign within 48 hours, we will start a nationwide protest before coming for a protest in Delhi,” Dipke stated, flanked by co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The CJP’s past protests were sparked by the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam paper, which ultimately resulted in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25.
The CJP has transitioned from an online platform to a more organized pressure group, using its past successes at Jantar Mantar as a foundation to advocate for greater administrative accountability regarding educational and healthcare facilities across the country. This shift has been strategically aligned with their ongoing campaign to address perceived shortcomings within the Election Commission (EC).
Background of the Election Commission’s Controversies
Recent reports from The Indian Express have highlighted significant internal dissent within the Election Commission. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a span of 10 months regarding decisions made without their knowledge, particularly concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The EC has acknowledged these objections but has described them as part of its standard deliberative process.
In a statement, the EC noted, “Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution,” emphasizing that they are integral to the decision-making process prior to arriving at a final conclusion. However, the Commission did not address the specific concerns raised by Sandhu and Joshi, nor did it clarify how these issues were resolved.
CJP’s Demands and Rationale
In light of these developments, the CJP has articulated three primary demands aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the electoral framework. First, they have called for a halt to the ongoing SIR process, which has reportedly led to the exclusion of over 13 crore names from draft electoral rolls across 30 states and Union Territories. The CJP argues that the integrity of the electoral process is compromised when such significant numbers of voters are removed without adequate justification.
Dipke remarked, “Democracy means that people choose their government. This is not democracy, this is autocracy. Under Gyanesh Kumar, we are seeing an electoral system in which the Election Commission is deciding who remains on the voter rolls and who does not.” He emphasized that it is incumbent upon the Commission to demonstrate that all exclusions from electoral rolls are lawful and transparent.
Saurav Das, another CJP leader, further elaborated on the need for scrutiny in three key areas: the introduction of additional declarations for first-time voters in online Form 6, the handling of appeals from excluded voters in West Bengal, and the centralization of electoral roll data management. Das criticized the EC for not providing sufficient transparency regarding how these changes are authorized and managed.
Call for Independent Investigation
In addition to demanding Kumar’s resignation, the CJP is calling for an independent investigation into the decisions made during the SIR process. This includes identifying the officials responsible for the controversial changes and ensuring that all records related to the SIR are secured and made available for judicial review. The party advocates for reform in the appointment process of Election Commissioners, proposing that the current law governing these appointments be repealed in favor of a framework that includes broader institutional and civil society participation.
Ranka highlighted the broader implications of excluding voters, noting, “The right to vote is a constitutional right protected through the electoral framework under Article 326. The Commission must answer to the citizens whose names have been excluded.” He emphasized the importance of a transparent process that allows citizens to understand the rationale behind any alterations to their electoral status.
The CJP’s initiatives reflect a growing concern regarding the integrity of India’s electoral processes, positioning the party as a significant player in the ongoing dialogue about democratic governance and electoral accountability. As the situation develops, the response from the Election Commission and the broader political landscape will be closely monitored.
