Archive · 10 Oct 2026
BJP’s 2014 Election Commission Protest Followed Rally Permission Dispute
In 2014, Narendra Modi wanted to hold a rally in Varanasi.
The district administration did not allow it, citing security and related concerns.
The BJP said the decision raised questions about the Election Commission’s fairness.
BJP leaders protested in Varanasi, and party workers tried to march to the Commission’s office in New Delhi.
Police stopped the march.
The BJP ended its protest after meeting Election Commission officials.
The article also reports that the Cockroach Janta Party plans a protest over alleged election irregularities, including changes to electoral rolls.
Retired judges have defended Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and expressed concern about criticism of the Election Commission.
In May 2014, election officials denied Narendra Modi permission to hold a rally at Beniabagh Maidan in Varanasi.
The district administration cited security and related concerns; the BJP questioned the Election Commission’s neutrality and alleged bias.
On May 8, BJP leaders Arun Jaitley, Amit Shah and Ananth Kumar staged a dharna near the Banaras Hindu University campus.
BJP workers also tried to march toward the Election Commission’s New Delhi office but were stopped by police.
The BJP called off its protest after meeting Election Commission officials; the article also describes planned CJP protests over current election-related allegations.
- Who
- The BJP, including Arun Jaitley, Amit Shah and Ananth Kumar; the Election Commission of India; and, in the current protest context, the Cockroach Janta Party.
- What
- The BJP protested after Narendra Modi was denied permission for a Varanasi rally; CJP is planning protests over alleged election irregularities.
- When
- The BJP protests took place on May 8, 2014. The CJP protest is described as scheduled for a Saturday, with no date specified.
- Where
- The 2014 protests took place in Varanasi and New Delhi; the planned CJP protest is at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
- Why
- The BJP objected to the denial of permission for Modi’s rally and questioned the poll panel’s neutrality. CJP and other groups cite alleged irregularities, including the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Critics of the Election Commission
Election Commission defenders
Alleged bias and election irregularities
Critics of the Election Commission
The BJP questioned the Election Commission’s neutrality after Modi’s rally permission was denied. CJP and other groups allege irregularities in election proceedings, including the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Election Commission defenders
The Election Commission reportedly dismissed allegations of bias in the 2014 controversy. An open letter from 42 retired judges defended Gyanesh Kumar and voiced concern about an alleged campaign against the Commission.
Permission for Modi’s rally
Critics of the Election Commission
The BJP objected to the denial and sought action against Varanasi’s district magistrate and returning officer; its delegation sought the magistrate’s replacement and an independent inquiry.
Election Commission defenders
The district administration cited security and related concerns as reasons for denying permission.
- BJP protest date
- May 8, 2014
- Denied rally venue
- Beniabagh Maidan, Varanasi
- Reason given for denial
- The district administration cited security and related concerns.
- BJP leaders at Varanasi dharna
- Arun Jaitley, Amit Shah and Ananth Kumar
- BJP demands
- Action against Varanasi district magistrate and returning officer Pranjal Yadav; the delegation also sought the magistrate’s replacement and an independent inquiry.
- How the BJP protest ended
- The BJP called it off after meeting Election Commission officials in New Delhi.
- Current protest described
- CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group would hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar despite police denying permission.
- Retired judges’ response
- An open letter signed by 42 retired judges defended Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and expressed concern about an alleged campaign against the Election Commission.