Cockroach Janata Party protests in Chennai demanding resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

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Members of CJP-Tamil Nady stage a demonstration demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar near Rajarathinam Stadium, Egmore, in Chennai on Friday | Photo Credit: V. Umesh Kumar

As part of its countrywide agitation, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) staged a protest in Chennai on Friday (October 2, 2026) demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Speaking to reporters, CJP State coordinator Selva Karthik said the protest was against the “corrupt and illegal actions” of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Protests were under way in other parts of the country as well, Mr. Karthik said.

While voting rights were enshrined the Constitution, a situation has emerged wherein those rights might be taken away, he alleged. “There is a mindset that it is not really an issue facing Tamil Nadu and therefore, it is not true.” In the 2026 Assembly elections, over 12 lakh voters were removed, and in about 46 constituencies, the winning margin was less than 5,000 votes, he pointed out. “If they appeal, about 20 lakh people could still be back on the electoral rolls,” he said.

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