New Delhi, October 28: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday extended its support to the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In a statement, the CJP said the fundamental principle of democracy was that people should have the right to choose their government, rather than the government determining who gets to vote. The party alleged that the SIR exercise had undermined this principle and claimed that Kumar had lost the public trust necessary to oversee free and fair elections.

The party said the CEC’s resignation was essential to restore public confidence in the credibility and independence of the Election Commission of India.

Referring to the vision of India’s Constitution makers, the CJP said Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, along with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and other leaders involved in framing the Constitution, had placed their faith in the people by guaranteeing equal voting rights to every adult citizen, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, educational qualifications or economic background.

“When Dr. B. R. Ambedkar helped frame the Constitution of India, he ensured that every adult citizen, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education or economic background, would have an equal right to vote,” the party said in its statement.

The CJP argued that the objective of universal adult suffrage was to expand democratic participation rather than exclude citizens from the electoral process. It expressed concern that the SIR exercise could lead to the removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls, raising questions about the protection of citizens’ voting rights.

Emphasising the Election Commission’s constitutional responsibility, the party said the poll body must safeguard every eligible citizen’s right to vote and ensure that electoral procedures do not create unnecessary barriers to participation.

“Our Constitution gave every adult citizen the right to vote. It is our responsibility to ensure that no eligible citizen is deprived of that right,” the statement said.

The CJP also declared its support for organisations campaigning for free and fair elections across the country. The statement concluded with the slogans, “Jai Bhim. Jai Hind.”

Meanwhile, the Congress has planned a public proceeding against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on October 30, described as an impeachment-style exercise, followed by a ‘Dilli Chalo’ march and a public gathering at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

The INDIA bloc’s proposed mobilisation is centred on concerns over the electoral roll revision exercise and demands for accountability from the Election Commission.