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Opposition Protests Target Election Chief Over Electoral Roll Revision
Several opposition groups are planning protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
They say the Election Commission has handled elections and voter lists improperly.
They are especially worried that many voters may have been removed from electoral rolls.
They want Kumar to resign and want the Special Intensive Revision to stop.
Some organizers are also demanding criminal proceedings against him and the return of the January 2025 voter list.
Protests are planned in Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of India.
Delhi Police did not allow the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar and increased security there.
The Election Commission says its three members made decisions unanimously.
The INDIA bloc has announced more demonstrations and a large rally in Delhi.
The Cockroach Janata Party, INDIA bloc and youth groups are demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Protesters allege irregularities in Election Commission decisions, elections and mass voter deletions linked to the Special Intensive Revision.
A Delhi protest is planned at Jantar Mantar, although Delhi Police denied permission and imposed restrictions.
The Mumbai protest is being led by the Cockroach Janata Party from Shivaji Park as part of a proposed nationwide campaign.
The INDIA bloc plans district-level demonstrations from October 2 to 8, a march to the Election Commission on October 6 and a Delhi rally on November 1, 2026.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janata Party, INDIA bloc, AISA, youth organizations, civil society groups and opposition leaders.
- What
- Protests demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Where
- Delhi, Mumbai and other cities; planned venues include Jantar Mantar, Shivaji Park and district magistrates’ offices.
- When
- The Mumbai campaign is described as beginning immediately, while INDIA bloc demonstrations are scheduled for October 2–8, 2026; a march is planned for October 6 and a rally for November 1, 2026.
- Why
- Organizers allege irregularities in Election Commission functioning, elections and voter-list revisions, including mass voter deletions.
Protesters’ allegations
Election Commission’s response
Election Commission decision-making
Protesters’ allegations
Opposition groups cite reported objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to at least 14 decisions or orders over 10 months, alleging that some were issued without their knowledge.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission said the three-member commission took all decisions, including those involving the Special Intensive Revision, unanimously.
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters’ allegations
Protest organizers allege mass deletions of voters and say the Special Intensive Revision threatens voting rights and electoral integrity.
Election Commission’s response
The articles report the Election Commission’s clarification on unanimous decision-making but do not provide a separate detailed response to the allegations of mass deletions.
Delhi protest authorization
Protesters’ allegations
Organizers intend to hold a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar and say the protest is necessary to press their demands.
Election Commission’s response
Delhi Police denied permission, citing security concerns, and introduced restrictions to prevent unauthorized gatherings.
Key facts
- Main demand
- Resignation or impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Other demands
- Criminal proceedings against Kumar, an end to the Special Intensive Revision and reinstatement of the January 2025 voter list.
- Delhi protest
- Called by AISA, Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan; organizers expected it to begin at 11 a.m. at Jantar Mantar.
- Delhi Police response
- Permission for the Jantar Mantar protest was denied, with heightened security and prohibitory restrictions announced.
- Expected Delhi attendance
- Police sources estimated that about 3,000 to 4,000 people could attend.
- INDIA bloc schedule
- District-level demonstrations are planned from October 2–8, 2026; opposition lawmakers are scheduled to march to the Election Commission on October 6.
- Election Commission position
- The commission said its three members took decisions, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision, unanimously.
Quotes
Abhijeet Dipke
Founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)
“The protest will begin at Shivaji Park tomorrow, and from there, we will take this protest to the entire country. We will ultimately end it only when Gyanesh Kumar resigns. He has to go. He is a traitor to this country, enemy number one.”
livemint.com
“We will ensure that he is removed from that position, all his crimes are undone, and he pays for the crimes he has committed against the young generation and against the country.”
livemint.com
Sources
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