20 hrs ago
Protests Demand Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation as Kerala Reopens Probe
Several groups in India are protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission.
They want Kumar to resign, and some also oppose a process to revise voter lists.
In Kerala, officials have reopened an investigation into alleged corruption connected to a road project from 2006, when Kumar worked in the state.
The allegations have not been established in the article.
In Mumbai, two political parties held a joint march and also called for ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines.
In Delhi, police detained protesters on two days and temporarily closed some metro station entrances and exits.
Three journalists complained that police officers sexually harassed them while they were reporting on a protest.
Police said those complaints had been sent to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry.
Opposition parties have also announced more protests and a rally in Delhi.
Kerala ordered a fresh Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau probe into alleged corruption linked to a 2006 road project when Gyanesh Kumar headed the state Public Works Department.
The probe follows a complaint alleging the earlier investigation was compromised; Kumar was accused in a suicide note of seeking a bribe, an allegation reported in the article.
In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena jointly marched on October 4, demanding Kumar’s resignation and the scrapping of Maharashtra’s Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
Delhi Police detained hundreds during protests at Jantar Mantar on October 2 and 3; it said complaints from three female journalists alleging sexual harassment by officers were referred to the Crime Branch.
The INDIA bloc announced nationwide demonstrations, a planned march by Opposition MPs to the Election Commission, and a Delhi rally on November 1.
- Who
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, protesters, Opposition parties, and Kerala state officials.
- What
- Protests are demanding Kumar’s resignation and opposing the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists; Kerala has also ordered a renewed probe into alleged corruption tied to a 2006 road project.
- Where
- Kerala, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
- When
- Developments described include September 30 and October 1–4, 2026; an INDIA bloc rally is planned for November 1.
- Why
- Protesters cite alleged poll irregularities and oppose the voter-list revision; Kerala reopened its probe after receiving a complaint that the earlier investigation was compromised.
Protesters and Opposition
Police and official actions
Demonstrations in Delhi
Protesters and Opposition
Protesters sought to demonstrate against the Election Commission and demanded Kumar’s resignation; detentions and restrictions drew criticism as stifling protests.
Police and official actions
Delhi Police had refused permission for the gathering, blocked protests at Jantar Mantar, and detained participants.
Alleged harassment of journalists
Protesters and Opposition
Three female journalists alleged that police officers sexually harassed them while they covered protests.
Police and official actions
Delhi Police said it had received the complaints and transferred them to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial inquiry.
Key facts
- Kerala project
- The Kerala State Transport Project involved road renovation work undertaken by PATI-BEL.
- Project cost
- The work was valued at Rs 216 crore and funded by the World Bank.
- Kerala investigation
- The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau was ordered to reopen its probe into alleged corruption linked to the project.
- Mumbai march
- The Virat Garjana Morcha took place on October 4 and was organized jointly by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.
- Delhi detentions
- About 700 people were detained on October 2; more than 150 were detained on October 3.
- Journalists’ complaints
- Delhi Police said complaints by three female journalists alleging sexual harassment by officers were transferred to the Crime Branch.
- INDIA bloc plan
- The plan included demonstrations, a march by Opposition MPs to the Election Commission, and a Delhi rally on November 1.
Quotes
Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
“On October 3, during the protest in the New Delhi area, while in a law-and-order situation, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers. New Delhi District has received their complaints, and the same have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial enquiry.”
indianexpress.com
“Save Democracy marches would be held from October 2 to 8, followed by demonstrations outside district magistrates’ offices, across the country. On October 6, Opposition MPs from both Houses of Parliament would march to the EC’s office in New Delhi.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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