Veteran actor and activist Prakash Raj announced on Wednesday that popular political commentator and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee will attend the anti-SIR (Strategic Voter Roll Inclusion/Revision) protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Thursday, October 8.
Releasing a video on X (formerly Twitter), Prakash Raj confirmed Rathee’s participation as a “voice with a spine” and urged citizens to assemble in large numbers at the venue starting at 10:30 AM.
”Voice With a Spine”: Prakash Raj Rallies Public Support
In his address to followers, Prakash Raj highlighted the scale of the upcoming demonstration, which will combine a public protest with a People’s Tribunal addressing alleged voting rights irregularities.
”In the morning video, I had promised you that we will be announcing a very special guest. A voice with a spine, who will be joining us at Freedom Park, Bengaluru. That’s none other than Dhruv Rathee. Dhruv Rathee, first time in Bengaluru in support of scrap SIR!” Prakash Raj stated.
He further called on civil society members, student groups, and affected residents from across Karnataka to show solidarity:
”Please come in large numbers! Stand with all who will be there—Aishe Ghosh, Neha Bora, young organisations, civil society, and the victims of SIR from across the districts of Karnataka. Let’s come together to raise our voice in solidarity against this draconian SIR!”
CJP to Hold ‘Chappal Protest’ and People’s Tribunal
The protest is organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke. The event schedule includes a ‘chappal protest’ and a People’s Tribunal at Freedom Park aimed at giving platform to residents who allege wrongful removal from voter rolls.
Dipke, who traveled to Bengaluru ahead of the event to meet affected local families, announced that following the Bengaluru action, a subsequent protest is planned for October 10 in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Prominent Voices Joining the Demonstration
In addition to Rathee and Prakash Raj, several prominent youth leaders and activists—including JNU student leader Aishe Ghosh, Neha Bora, and Saurav Das—are confirmed to speak at the tribunal.
Prakash Raj emphasized that the issue extends beyond basic electoral politics, framing it as a crucial defense of democratic processes and constitutional rights.
