Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Dialogue Urged as CEC-Opposition Protests Enter New Phase
People are protesting over claims that the voter lists were changed unfairly.
They want Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
More groups, including student organisations, are expected to join a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
The editorial says people have a right to gather peacefully.
It also says protesters should avoid letting anyone turn the demonstration violent.
Some people have accused police of using too much force or behaving improperly.
The editorial says police should follow the law and do their work professionally.
It asks the government to talk with protesters instead of allowing violence.
It argues that dialogue is a democratic way to address disagreements.
Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation concern alleged wrongdoing in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
The Cockroach Janta Party and student organisations are expected to join the Jantar Mantar agitation on October 10.
The editorial urges protesters to demonstrate peacefully and says the government should engage them in dialogue.
It cites allegations of excessive force and misconduct by police during earlier protests and in recent incidents.
It warns against violence by right-wing activists and says police should act lawfully and professionally.
- Who
- Protesters, student organisations, the Cockroach Janta Party, the government and Delhi Police; the agitation demands Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- What
- An ongoing protest over alleged wrongdoing in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls is expected to expand, with calls for peaceful demonstrations and dialogue.
- When
- The next phase is expected on October 10; the editorial also refers to a previous police action on July 20.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
- Why
- Protesters allege that people were wrongly removed from electoral rolls during the revision.
Protesters and civil society
Government and police
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters and civil society
Protesters allege that the revision involved wrongdoing and wrongly removed people from electoral rolls.
Government and police
The editorial does not provide a government response to these allegations.
Managing the demonstrations
Protesters and civil society
Protesters should be able to assemble peacefully and raise their demands.
Government and police
Police have the difficult task of controlling a charged crowd, but the editorial says they must rely on professionalism and act according to law.
Resolving the standoff
Protesters and civil society
The agitation seeks accountability over the alleged electoral-roll wrongdoing.
Government and police
The editorial urges the government to engage protesters in dialogue rather than allow violence.
- Protest demand
- The resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Main grievance
- Alleged wrongdoing in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, including people being struck off the rolls.
- Planned development
- The Cockroach Janta Party and various student organisations are expected to join on October 10.
- Protest site
- Jantar Mantar.
- Earlier incident
- The editorial refers to police action against students protesting at the site on July 20.
- Police-related allegations
- The editorial cites accusations of excessive force and misconduct, and complaints about police behaviour during protests.
- Editorial recommendation
- Keep demonstrations peaceful, ensure police act lawfully, and use dialogue to address the dispute.