Mumbai: Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on September 28 criticised the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) amid the ongoing controversy over its proposed October 2 protest at Shivaji Park, referring to the group as the “Congress Jitao Party” and alleging that it acts in the interest of the Congress.

Speaking to the media, Tawde claimed that the party’s activities were aligned with Congress interests and said citizens were observing the developments. “They have their freedom to do whatever they want to, we will do our work. The janta is watching all of it,” she said.

Her remarks came after CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” in Mumbai following the police denial of permission for the party’s planned demonstration at Shivaji Park on October 2.

Dipke said the agitation would be held over issues related to the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He alleged that denying permission amounted to suppressing citizens’ voices.

Mumbai Police had refused permission for the Shivaji Park gathering, citing restrictions on events at the venue, including a Bombay High Court order and a Maharashtra government resolution. Police also pointed to the absence of required BMC approval, noise concerns, traffic management issues and the venue’s residential and silence-zone status.

Authorities advised the organisers to apply for an alternative venue and follow the required permissions. The allegations and demands raised by CJP remain the party’s claims and have not been established by any court or election authority.