Kochi: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Sunday accused chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commission of India (ECI) of compromising electoral safeguards and demanded Kumar’s resignation.Addressing the media in Kochi, CJP’s national media lead and south zone head Vijay Mallangi alleged that the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has raised serious concerns over due process and the independence of ECI. He said objections were raised by election officials and alleged that eligible voters were removed from electoral rolls in Goa, West Bengal and Bihar. His remarks came in the wake of reports that two election commissioners objected to ECI decisions on SIR and voter rolls.Mallangi listed three demands: Kumar’s resignation; an independent inquiry into the SIR exercise, with all relevant documents and correspondence preserved; and repeal of the 2023 appointment law, followed by broader electoral reforms.He announced that CJP’s first protest will be held in Mumbai on Oct 2, followed by programmes in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Allahabad and Delhi, raising the three demands.He alleged that electoral processes were becoming increasingly centralised through software-based systems and questioned the safeguards in place to ensure transparency and accountability. He said certain communities were disproportionately affected, and called for an independent inquiry into the allegations.He appealed to student organisations and political parties across ideological lines, especially LDF and UDF in Keralam, to join the campaign. He said the issue should be viewed as one of electoral integrity and transparency rather than partisan politics.He also addressed a public programme held at Marine Drive in the evening, attended by people from all age groups.
