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Protests in Delhi, Mumbai Demand Election Chief’s Resignation
People protested in Delhi and Mumbai against India’s Election Commission.
They said there were problems with a process checking and revising voter lists.
The protesters wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Delhi Police detained at least 700 people, including former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.
Other detained people included AAP leaders, activist Yogendra Yadav and student leader Neha Bora.
Police also stopped a planned march by the Indian Youth Congress.
In Mumbai, the Cockroach Janata Party held a separate protest.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the criticism of the Election Commission was based on a false narrative.
At least 700 protesters, including former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, were detained in Delhi during demonstrations against the Election Commission.
Opposition parties and student groups alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
AAP leaders, activist Yogendra Yadav and AISA president Neha Bora were among those detained, while police imposed restrictions in New Delhi.
The Indian Youth Congress was stopped while attempting to march from its Raisina Road office to Jantar Mantar.
A protest by the Cockroach Janata Party took place in Mumbai, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rejected criticism of the Election Commission as a fake narrative.
- Who
- Opposition parties, student groups, AAP leaders, activists and other protesters, including Atishi; the Election Commission and CEC Gyanesh Kumar were the focus of the demonstrations.
- What
- Protests and detentions took place over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with demonstrators demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and nearby locations in New Delhi, as well as Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
- When
- Friday, October 2, 2026.
- Why
- Protesters said they were seeking answers and accountability over decisions concerning electoral rolls and the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision.
Protesters’ Claims
Officials’ Response
Election-roll revision
Protesters’ Claims
Opposition parties and student groups alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision and demanded accountability from the Election Commission.
Officials’ Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the allegations were part of a fake narrative that had been exposed after a statement by the Election Commissioners.
Right to demonstrate
Protesters’ Claims
AAP leaders said peaceful protest was a democratic right and claimed they had applied for permission six days earlier.
Officials’ Response
Delhi Police said permission for the demonstration had not been granted and detained protesters while imposing prohibitory restrictions in New Delhi District.
Chief Election Commissioner
Protesters’ Claims
Protesters called for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and some activists described him in strongly critical terms.
Officials’ Response
The report describes the Election Commission’s position through the Election Commissioners’ press statement and does not report an agreement to the resignation demand.
Key facts
- Delhi detentions
- At least 700 protesters were detained, according to the report; a separate video description said more than 500 were detained.
- Main demand
- Protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Issue cited
- Alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Delhi location
- Demonstrations took place at Jantar Mantar and nearby locations.
- Police action
- Delhi Police issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in New Delhi District.
- Mumbai protest
- The Cockroach Janata Party organized a 'Jail Bharo Andolan' at Shivaji Park.
- Government response
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said criticism of the Election Commission was a fake narrative that had been exposed.
Quotes
Saurav Das
Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson in Mumbai
“We are protesting because the Election Commission is responsible for protecting the sanctity of every vote. When questions are being raised within the Commission itself over decisions concerning electoral rolls, the country deserves answers and accountability.”
financialexpress.com
“As you can see, we are starting from Mumbai today. This is going to be a very big protest.”
financialexpress.com
Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra chief minister
“The entire matter has been exposed. Following the press conference held by the three Election Commissioners, their fake narrative has been busted. Yet, attempts are still being made to push this fake narrative. They will not succeed in this.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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