Gen Z 'Cockroach Janata Party' urges chief election commissioner to quit over voter‑list concerns

Leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party demanded on Thursday that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down after reports of irregularities in voter‑list revisions. The group, which previously forced the removal of an education minister, is now targeting India’s election watchdog instead of staging large rallies in New Delhi. Its campaign has shifted to school audits, meetings with officials and calls for electoral reform. The Indian Express said two election commissioners raised questions or voiced concern to Kumar at least 14 times over the past ten months, mainly about the voter‑list update process that began last year. The CJP claims the way the lists are being altered could strip eligible voters of their right to vote and erode trust in the electoral system. The movement argues that such disenfranchisement would affect the fairness of upcoming elections. Officials of the Election Commission have not publicly responded to the demand. The push for Kumar’s resignation reflects growing scrutiny of how voter data is managed across the country. If the chief were to leave, a new commissioner would be appointed by the President of India following constitutional procedure. The episode highlights a broader debate on transparency and accountability in India’s democratic institutions.