Shabana Azmi, Vishal Bhardwaj Join CJP Protest Over Electoral Rolls
Shabana Azmi, Vishal Bhardwaj and Vishal Dadlani joined a CJP protest in Mumbai over electoral roll revisions and voting rights.
Shabana Azmi, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and singer Vishal Dadlani joined a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2 over concerns surrounding electoral rolls and voting rights. The gathering also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest focused on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, restoration of earlier voter lists and greater transparency in the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission has said SIR is part of its electoral-roll revision process and has provided services for voters through its official portal.
Azmi had earlier urged citizens to participate in the Mumbai gathering and highlighted concerns about names being removed from voter lists. She later shared visuals from the protest.
Bhardwaj and Dadlani were also seen at the venue as crowds gathered around the stage. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has separately expressed support for the wider movement.
The CJP has alleged large-scale voter deletions and called for the 2025 electoral roll to be retained. These remain allegations by the protest organisers, while the electoral-roll revision has become the subject of a wider political dispute.
