CJP launches Kochi protest against SIR, Gyanesh Kumar

Kochi: A protest rally organised by the CJP as part of its ‘Jantar Mantar at Kochi’ campaign began at Marine Drive here on Saturday, with around 500 activists participating, organisers said.

The rally, led by actor Prakash Raj, is being held to demand the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) state president Chintha Jerome also took part in the march.

Participants carried national flags and raised slogans against the CEC.

The rally will culminate at Rajendra Maidan, where a protest meeting will be addressed by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.

Party supporters said Dipke arrived at Cochin International Airport in the afternoon.

Police have deployed personnel along the route to regulate traffic and prevent road blockades.

The event comes after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, which the Delhi Police designated as a protest site last month.

Dipke was later detained ahead of a Tiranga March announced by the party in Delhi.

CJP leaders were also recently questioned by the Delhi Police Crime Branch in connection with cases related to protests held in the national capital.