Prakash Raj throws his weight behind Bengaluru’s ‘Chappal Protest’

Acclaimed actor‑activist Prakash Raj has confirmed that he will join the demonstration scheduled for 8 October at Freedom Park, Bengaluru. Organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the event is billed as a “Chappal Protest” aimed at two urgent issues: the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the protection of women in public spaces.

People’s Tribunal on SIR at 10:30 a.m.

The morning will begin with a People’s Tribunal at 10:30 a.m., giving voters from across Karnataka a platform to recount how their names were allegedly removed from the rolls without justification. CJP co‑convener Ashutosh Ranka, founder Abhijeet Dipke and spokesperson Saurav Das will moderate the session, joined by representatives from youth collectives and civil‑society groups.

Key complaints against the SIR exercise

  • Claims that eligible voters were mistakenly deleted during the roll‑revision.
  • A demand for the restoration of the pre‑SIR voter list and reversal of the deletions.
  • Calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign over alleged irregularities.

Protesters stress that these allegations are based on personal testimonies and have not yet been verified by any official body.

Women’s safety moves to the forefront

After the tribunal, the focus will shift to women’s safety. The move follows accusations by a group of women journalists in Delhi who said they were mishandled while covering protests against the Chief Election Commissioner. CJP has expressed solidarity with the journalists and urged swift remedial action. Delhi Police, however, has disputed the claims of forceful handling and says the matter is under investigation.

Broader campaign and next steps

The Bengaluru gathering forms part of a larger CJP‑led campaign against the SIR process. Similar rallies have taken place in other states, and another protest is slated for Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on 10 October. Organisers continue to demand transparent roll‑revision procedures, opposition to the SIR mechanism, and the resignation of the chief election official.

The Election Commission maintains that the roll‑revision exercise is intended to update voter records and ensure that every eligible citizen is captured. The Freedom Park event is expected to draw a cross‑section of voters, activists, youth organisations and civil‑society members, all seeking a public forum for their concerns.