Archive · 1 Oct 2026
INDIA Bloc Plans Month-Long Protests Over Alleged Vote Chori
Opposition parties in India say voters’ rights may be threatened by changes to voter lists.
They are calling this issue “vote chori.”
The INDIA bloc plans marches in districts across the country beginning on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2.
It also plans a march to the Election Commission’s office on October 6.
Several activist and student groups want Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Some groups plan to gather at Jantar Mantar even though Delhi Police did not approve the protest.
Police have placed barricades and added personnel in central New Delhi.
The Election Commission’s response is not included in the article.
The INDIA bloc plans “save democracy” marches across all districts from October 2 through October 8.
Opposition parties and activists are demanding Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral-roll manipulation.
Protesters, including AISA, AAP and student groups, plan gatherings at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar despite police denying permission.
The Cockroach Janata Party announced a protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park and threatened further nationwide demonstrations.
Security has been increased in New Delhi after earlier clashes during protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party.
- Who
- The INDIA bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party, the All India Students’ Association, the Cockroach Janata Party and other activists and student groups.
- What
- They are organizing nationwide “save democracy” protests and demanding Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged “vote chori” and electoral-roll changes.
- When
- The agitation is scheduled to begin on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, with district marches planned through October 8; additional events are planned for October 5, October 6 and the second week of October.
- Where
- Protests are planned across India, including Jantar Mantar and the Election Commission’s office in New Delhi, and Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
- Why
- Organizers allege that the special intensive revision of electoral rolls threatens voting rights and was undertaken without the concurrence of the other two Election Commissioners.
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Police and Election Authorities
Election Commissioner’s position
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Opposition parties and activists demand Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, allege “vote chori,” and seek a criminal case against him.
Police and Election Authorities
The article does not report a response from Gyanesh Kumar or the Election Commission of India.
Protest permission
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Organizers say they informed Parliament Street Police about the proposed Jantar Mantar gathering and its arrangements, and plan to proceed with the protest.
Police and Election Authorities
Delhi Police denied permission for the protests and increased security, including barricades and additional personnel, in New Delhi.
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Protest organizers allege that the special intensive revision was conducted without the concurrence of the other two Election Commissioners and want the 2025 voter list frozen.
Police and Election Authorities
The article does not provide the Election Commission’s explanation or position on the revision.
- Main coalition
- INDIA bloc, comprising about 20 parties
- Start date
- October 2, Gandhi Jayanti
- Planned duration
- District marches from October 2 through October 8
- Central demand
- Resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Delhi protest site
- Jantar Mantar
- Mumbai protest site
- Shivaji Park in Dadar
- Security response
- Barricades and additional personnel were deployed in New Delhi after earlier protest clashes