Bollywood Stars Join Mumbai Protest Over Voter List Controversy

Several prominent Bollywood personalities joined a protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, expressing solidarity with activists campaigning over allegations of irregularities in India’s voter lists.

Musician Vishal Dadlani, veteran actress Shabana Azmi, actor Naseeruddin Shah, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj were among those who attended the demonstration. Protesters demanded the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Mumbai Police reportedly did not grant permission for the event. Following the decision, organiser Abhijit Dipak and the protesters announced a “jail bharo” campaign, calling on supporters to participate in civil resistance.

Naseeruddin Shah was among the first to arrive at Shivaji Park on Friday afternoon. Shabana Azmi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj and Vishal Dadlani later joined the gathering.

Dadlani had previously expressed support for the protest on social media. After arriving at the venue, he stood alongside organiser Abhijit Dipak and joined protesters in chanting slogans, including “Go Gyanu Go.”

Speaking from the protest stage, Dadlani said the movement should continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns. Referring to Gandhi Jayanti, he also said the protest had given him a deeper understanding of the significance of the occasion.

Shabana Azmi, meanwhile, focused on the importance of voting rights. She said a vote represents a citizen’s voice and right, stressing that even a single vote can play a role in shaping a country’s future.

The Mumbai protest comes amid demonstrations in different parts of India over voter-list revision and allegations of irregularities. Protesters have raised concerns about the protection of voting rights and transparency in the electoral process.