DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026
★ SPECIAL PRINT EDITION ★
SECTION: ENTERTAINMENT
Naseeruddin Shah Hugs Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke at Shivaji Park Protest

Naseeruddin Shah Hugs Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke at Shivaji Park Protest

Oct 02, 2026 - 18:41
Naseeruddin Shah hugs Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke at Shivaji Park protest; Vishal Dadlani joins to demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar
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Key Highlights

  • Naseeruddin Shah and Abhijeet Dipke at Shivaji Park protest.
  • CJP demands Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
  • Protest held over NEET leak issue.

Thousands of protesters, including veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, and singer and music composer Vishal Dadlani, gathered at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest, which was denied permission by the police, was held to address the contentious issue of the NEET leak scandal and the alleged disregard for the concerns of the All India Students organisation.

The presence of prominent celebrities drew attention to the gathering, with Vishal Dadlani captioning a video of the protest as, “Am I dreaming or what?” He was seen hugging Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, at the event. The group has been vocal about their concerns.

Citing a pattern of disregard for their input during a 10-month period, with officials receiving at least 14 complaints.

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Abhijeet, Dipke stated., “It is a big honour. It’s a dream moment for me.” Shabana Azmi. Who was also present during protests in Delhi a few months ago amid the NEET leak issue. Emphasized that protesting is a fundamental right and that people must take to the streets when their names are removed from the electoral rolls.

The Election Commission, which has been under scrutiny over its handling of the NEET leak scandal, has been accused of disregarding the concerns of the All India Students organisation. The group has been pushing for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Citing a lack of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

As the protest unfolded, police were on hand to manage the crowd and prevent disruptions to local traffic. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis faced a barrage of questions from demonstrators.

Who urged him to take action against the group's leader, Vivek Joshi, and his Cockroach Janta Party. The protesters' chants and signs highlighted their frustration with the electoral process. With many believing that the current system was ripe for overhaul.

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The Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls has been a contentious issue. With many students and citizens feeling that their names have been removed without due process. The All India Students organisation has been at the forefront of the protests.

Demanding that their names be reinstated and that the electoral process be made more transparent and accountable.

The protest at Shivaji Park marked a significant turning point in the ongoing controversy. With thousands of protesters coming together to demand change. The future of the electoral process hangs in the balance, as the protesters continue to push for reforms and greater transparency.

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Movies, series, and everything happening around Indian entertainment keep me busy. I cover OTT releases, box-office conversations, celebrity news, and the changing world of streaming, with a particular interest in the stories and trends that audiences are talking about right now.

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