Archive · 12 Oct 2026
INDIA Bloc Plans Delhi Protest Over Vote Irregularities
The INDIA bloc, an opposition alliance, planned a protest in Delhi about how voter lists are being changed.
The group says there were problems with voting and wants election chief Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Its leaders asked to meet Chief Justice Surya Kant, but he said they should file a court petition instead.
This is because the issue is already being considered legally.
The protest plan followed a day when police detained many people at demonstrations.
Police said they followed legal procedures, while opposition leaders and activists said the detentions were wrong.
The Supreme Court also told authorities to keep metro service running normally and avoid disrupting internet service, subject to law-and-order needs.
The opposing parties disagree about what happened during the demonstrations and whether the police actions were justified.
The INDIA bloc planned a Delhi protest on October 12 over alleged electoral irregularities, the voter-roll revision and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were expected to lead the protest and seek Supreme Court intervention.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant rejected the leaders’ request for a meeting, saying they should file a petition because the matter is already sub judice.
Delhi Police said about 7,000 people detained during Saturday’s protests were later released; opposition leaders and activists alleged the detentions were illegal.
The Supreme Court asked authorities to ensure normal Delhi Metro service, undisturbed internet access subject to law-and-order conditions, and no obstruction of lawyers or journalists.
- Who
- The INDIA bloc, including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi; Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is the subject of the resignation demand.
- What
- The bloc planned a protest over alleged electoral irregularities, the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls and its demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026; the preceding detentions and demonstrations took place on Saturday.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The opposition says it is protesting alleged 'vote chori' and concerns about the voter-roll revision, and is seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Opposition and activists
Authorities and court
Detentions during demonstrations
Opposition and activists
Opposition leaders and activists alleged the detentions were illegal and accused police and BJP supporters of violence against protesters.
Authorities and court
Delhi Police said preventive arrests were made after due legal procedures; the detained protesters were subsequently released.
How to address election-related allegations
Opposition and activists
The INDIA bloc sought a meeting with the Chief Justice and planned protests over alleged electoral irregularities, SIR and the CEC’s resignation.
Authorities and court
Chief Justice Surya Kant said the matter was already sub judice and advised the leaders to approach the court by filing a petition.
- Planned protest date
- October 12, 2026
- Location
- New Delhi
- Key issues
- Alleged electoral irregularities, Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, and the CEC’s resignation
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
- CJI’s response
- Surya Kant rejected a meeting request and advised the leaders to file a petition
- Reported detentions
- Around 7,000 protesters were detained on Saturday and later released, according to the article
- Supreme Court directions
- Ensure normal Delhi Metro operations, avoid internet disruption subject to law-and-order conditions, and do not obstruct professional duties