Veteran actor Shabana Azmi joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Jail Bharo Andolan” at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, October 2, 2026. Organised to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the demonstration drew several prominent personalities from the film and music industries, including Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Dadlani, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, and singer Rekha Bhardwaj.
Speaking to reporters, Azmi emphasized the power of voting rights, asserting that any attempt to strip citizens of their vote should be countered through democratic means. Addressing the massive crowd, she remarked, “Our vote is our right, it is our voice… when our names are removed from the electoral rolls, what will we do? We will protest. Today, look around and see how far your eyes can reach—this is the victory of democracy. We have recognised our own strength and realised that we do not have to tolerate anything wrong because this is our country, and our Constitution has given us this right.”
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Veteran actress Shabana Azmi joins the CJP protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park against the Election Commission. https://t.co/Q9vVzrkS4O
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026
Despite the Mumbai Police denying permission, leading to heavy barricading around Shivaji Park, thousands gathered at the venue. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah embraced CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, expressing mutual admiration and urging him to continue his efforts. Actor Prakash Raj also extended support via a video message regarding citizenship and the ongoing SIR controversy.
Addressing criticism over potential noise pollution at Shivaji Park, lyricist Javed Akhtar questioned on X whether similar objections were ever raised during political rallies at the venue. The CJP maintained that its movement remains independent, confirming it will not align with the Opposition’s scheduled October 6 protest against the Election Commission. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts.
