Zillar Barta Desk,Mumbai : A political confrontation unfolded in Mumbai on Friday as a group identifying itself as “Gen Next Mumbai” staged a counter-protest against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and its founder Abhijeet Dipke. The counter-demonstration took place as CJP activists gathered at Shivaji Park for a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Gen Next Mumbai protesters used slogans and placards to voice their opposition to Dipke and the CJP. Among the slogans reported from the protest was the viral phrase “Ek Kachori, Do Samosa, Dipke Tera Kya Bharosa”, which quickly became one of the talking points surrounding the counter-demonstration. Other slogans, including “Abhijeet Dipke Go Back” and “Go Back CJP,” were also reported.
The development came as CJP organised its “Jail Bharo Andolan” in Mumbai. The group has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and has raised allegations concerning the Election Commission's handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Gen Next Mumbai took an opposing position, saying that it wanted to protest peacefully against the CJP's activities and defend the Constitution. One protester, speaking to the media, alleged that Abhijeet Dipke and people associated with the CJP had spoken about dismantling the Constitution. The protesters said they were demonstrating from near a statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar to emphasise their stated commitment to constitutional values.
Meanwhile, CJP activists and supporters gathered at Shivaji Park despite Mumbai Police having denied permission for the proposed demonstration. Hundreds of protesters marched towards the venue and, according to reports, sat outside the gates carrying Tricolours. Patriotic songs, including Rang De Basanti, were played during the gathering, while protesters raised slogans demanding action against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Heavy police deployment was reported around Shivaji Park as authorities prepared for the demonstrations. The CJP maintained that its protest was aimed at raising questions about the electoral-roll revision process and demanding greater accountability from the Election Commission.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das called for wider participation in the movement and said the Mumbai protest would form part of a larger campaign. These statements represent the position of the CJP and have been disputed by its political opponents.
The protests have emerged amid a broader political debate over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Critics have raised questions about the process and alleged irregularities, while the Election Commission has maintained that decisions relating to the SIR exercise were taken unanimously and according to the applicable procedures.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also commented on the controversy, saying that allegations against the Election Commission had already been addressed. His remarks represented the Maharashtra government's position on the issue.
The competing demonstrations therefore reflected sharply different views over the Election Commission, the SIR exercise and the methods adopted by the CJP.
The appearance of Gen Next Mumbai added another dimension to the Mumbai protests. While CJP has presented itself as a youth-led movement challenging issues it considers important, Gen Next Mumbai's counter-protest demonstrated that sections of young protesters do not necessarily share the CJP's approach or demands.
The slogan “Ek Kachori, Do Samosa, Dipke Tera Kya Bharosa” brought a distinctly satirical tone to the counter-protest and attracted attention online. Alongside the slogans, protesters displayed placards criticising Dipke and the CJP.
The competing demonstrations remained focused on expressing opposing political views, with a significant police presence maintained around the protest area.
Friday's developments highlighted the increasingly visible political activism surrounding electoral issues in Mumbai. On one side, CJP supporters demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and questioned aspects of the SIR process. On the other, Gen Next Mumbai members staged a counter-protest, objecting to CJP's campaign and its approach.
The contrasting demonstrations underscored the divisions surrounding the current debate over electoral-roll revision and the role of the Election Commission. With both sides seeking public attention, Mumbai became the setting for competing demonstrations and sharply different political messages on the same day.
