Shabana Azmi, Vishal Bhardwaj Join CJP Protest Over Electoral Roll Concerns

Shabana Azmi, Vishal Bhardwaj and Vishal Dadlani attended a CJP protest in Mumbai over electoral rolls, SIR and the resignation demand against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

By All India Story

3 Oct 2026, 12:32 PM IST 2 min read

Shabana Azmi and Vishal Bhardwaj at the CJP protest in Mumbai — Shabana Azmi and Vishal Bhardwaj were among the public figures seen at the CJP protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.

Shabana Azmi CJP protest participation drew attention at a gathering held at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2, where filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and singer-songwriter Vishal Dadlani were also seen. The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) around concerns over electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The organisers demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for greater transparency around electoral-roll revisions and the appointment of the CEC. Their claims regarding electoral-roll discrepancies and alleged tampering remain allegations made by the organisers.

The Election Commission has officially described SIR as an exercise concerning the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. Its official voter-services portal also provides facilities related to the 2026 SIR, including searching voter names and submitting documents against notices.

Election Commission of India – Voter Services

Shabana Azmi Speaks About Voting Rights

Before the protest, Azmi had appealed to people to attend the gathering and raised questions about voters whose names may be absent from electoral rolls. At the venue, she spoke about voting rights and the importance of citizens being able to question authorities.

The protest went ahead despite reports that Mumbai Police had denied permission for the gathering. Security arrangements were strengthened around Dadar as supporters gathered at Shivaji Park.

Vishal Bhardwaj was also seen at the venue, while Vishal Dadlani joined supporters at the gathering. Other public figures, including Naseeruddin Shah, were also associated with the Mumbai protest.

The CJP has said it intends to continue its campaign over electoral-roll issues and the resignation demand. The developments come amid a wider political debate over SIR, voter verification and electoral transparency.

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