Protect Democracy, Cancel SIR”: People’s Protest ‘Jantar Mantar @ Kochi’ Unites Kochi

As part of nationwide resistance against the Central Government’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and to safeguard civil rights, the mass protest titled Jantar Mantar @ Kochi’, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), received significant public support. Prominent figures from cultural, social, and political spheres gathered at Rajendra Maithanam, Kochi, to join the demonstration.The protest in Kochi was organized to extend the movement across southern states following attempts by central authorities to curb demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.Addressing the grand gathering, renowned actor and activist Prakash Rajstated that the courage shown by the younger generation in standing up against state oppression gives hope for democracy. He called upon citizens to unite to protect the constitutional values of the nation.Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), alleged that while citizens enjoyed the freedom to criticize the government during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure, the current regime is attempting to strip away fundamental civil rights. He added that the central government is attempting to criminalize those who raise the national flag and protest democratically.Former Minister P. Rajeev, former MP Dr. Sebastian Paul, DYFI State President Chintha Jerome, media personality and host Ranjini Haridas, CJP leaders, and representatives from various social and student organizations participated in the event.The protesters put forward key demands, including rectifying flaws in the voter list revision, safeguarding voting rights, and restoring the fundamental right to peaceful protest.