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Opposition Bloc Launches Nationwide Save Democracy Protests Over Vote Rolls
The I.N.D.I.A. bloc and other Opposition groups held protests across India.
They said some people may have been wrongly removed from voter lists.
They also accused election officials and the government of allowing problems with voting records.
In Delhi, many protesters tried to go to Jantar Mantar.
Police detained more than 1,000 people after limiting large gatherings.
Some opposition parties said protesters were treated roughly.
The groups called the campaign a way to protect democracy.
They demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and changes to how election commissioners are appointed.
The I.N.D.I.A. bloc launched a month-long nationwide “save democracy” campaign over alleged vote theft and electoral-roll irregularities.
Protests on Gandhi Jayanti targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
More than 1,000 protesters in Delhi were detained while attempting to march toward Jantar Mantar.
Delhi authorities restricted gatherings, tightened security, limited internet access and closed about a dozen Metro stations.
Opposition groups accused police of suppressing constitutional protest rights and demanded changes to election commissioner appointments.
- Who
- The I.N.D.I.A. bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party, Opposition-backed youth groups, activists and political leaders.
- What
- They launched a month-long “save democracy” campaign and protested alleged vote theft and irregularities in electoral-roll revision.
- Where
- Protests were held across districts nationwide; in Delhi, demonstrators sought to march toward Jantar Mantar and gathered in Connaught Place.
- When
- The protests took place on Gandhi Jayanti, and the nationwide campaign began on a Friday.
- Why
- Protesters alleged that voter rolls had been manipulated, including the removal of citizens, and opposed restrictions on their demonstration.
Protesters and Opposition groups
Police and government restrictions
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters and Opposition groups
Opposition groups alleged vote theft and irregularities in the special intensive revision, claiming that about 13 crore citizens had been removed from voter rolls.
Police and government restrictions
The article reports the allegations but does not include a response from the Election Commission of India or the government.
Right to protest
Protesters and Opposition groups
The CPM said denying permission at Jantar Mantar curtailed the constitutional right to agitate and accused police of manhandling protesters.
Police and government restrictions
Police imposed restrictions on gatherings of five or more people and detained people who attempted to march toward Jantar Mantar; the article does not state the police response to the allegations.
Key facts
- Campaign duration
- One month
- Organizers
- The I.N.D.I.A. bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party and Opposition-backed youth groups
- Delhi detentions
- More than 1,000 students, activists and political leaders
- Protest location sought
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Main allegations
- “Vote chori” and irregularities in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls
- Protest targets
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Reported restrictions
- Gatherings of five or more people were restricted; about a dozen nearby Metro stations were closed
Quotes
Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Political party that criticized the protest restrictions and police action
“Under the BJP-led Union government, democratic rights are being drastically curtailed, and the denial of permission to protest, even at Jantar Mantar -- the designated site for protest -- demonstrates how intolerant this government has become”
deccanchronicle.com
“Godse was Gandhi's murderer. People of Godse's ideology are in power in the Centre. Today they are murdering democracy through vote theft”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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