Veteran actress Shabana Azmi recently joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Jail Bharo Andolan” in Mumbai, protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstration, held at Shivaji Park, also saw the participation of numerous film and music industry personalities, highlighting widespread concerns over voting rights and democratic processes.
Key Demands and Concerns
The CJP's protest specifically targeted the ongoing SIR exercise and called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The organization believes that the revision process poses a threat to citizens' fundamental right to vote, prompting their democratic agitation.
Shabana Azmi's Powerful Address
Speaking passionately at the gathering, Shabana Azmi emphasized the inviolable nature of voting rights. She stated, “Voting is our right. If anyone tries to take away our right to vote, we will do what is necessary through democratic means.” She further inspired the crowd by saying, “Our vote is our right, it is our voice… when our right is snatched away from us, when our names are removed from the electoral rolls, what will we do? We will protest. This is our right. Today, look around and see how far your eyes can reach, this is the victory of democracy. Because we have recognised our own strength, and we have realised that we do not have to tolerate anything wrong, because this is our country, our Constitution has given us this right.”
Prominent Personalities Lend Support
Beyond Shabana Azmi, the protest garnered significant support from various celebrated figures:
• Naseeruddin Shah: The acclaimed actor met CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, expressing his gratitude for their work. Shah remarked, “I am a huge fan of yours. Whatever you are doing, please continue doing that.”
• Vishal Dadlani and Vishal Bhardwaj: Both film personalities were present, showing solidarity with the cause.
• Rekha Bhardwaj: The renowned singer also participated in the Mumbai gathering.
• Prakash Raj: The actor extended his support through a video message, addressing democracy, citizenship, and the SIR controversy.
The Protest Environment
Despite Mumbai Police denying permission for the protest, a large crowd converged at Shivaji Park. Heavy police deployment and barricades were in place, with police estimates putting the attendance in the thousands. The CJP maintained that its agitation was independent and clarified it would not join the Opposition’s separate protest against the Election Commission scheduled for October 6.
Meanwhile, lyricist Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi’s husband, addressed criticism regarding noise pollution at Shivaji Park. In a post on X, he questioned whether similar objections would be raised for political rallies at the same venue, underscoring a perceived double standard.
This protest underscores the rising public concern over electoral transparency and the safeguarding of democratic rights in India.
