Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Delhi Tightens Security as Protesters Demand Election Chief’s Resignation
A group called the Cockroach Janta Party and student groups planned a protest in Delhi on October 10.
They want election chief Gyanesh Kumar to resign over concerns about changes to voter lists.
Police did not give permission for the gathering and said they were concerned about safety and traffic.
Some protesters gathered, and reports said several people were detained.
Metro access was restricted at 45 stations after a court asked authorities not to shut down transport completely, although one report still said 57 stations were affected.
News reports also gave different numbers for cancelled trains.
Mobile internet was scheduled to be turned off for 24 hours in part of central Delhi.
Authorities also increased security and warned of possible traffic disruption.
The Cockroach Janta Party and student groups called a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral-roll irregularities.
Delhi Police denied permission, citing public-order and traffic concerns; reports say protesters gathered and several were detained.
Metro restrictions were reduced from an initially announced 57 stations to 45 after Supreme Court intervention, though one report still described restrictions at 57 stations.
Reports gave conflicting rail disruption figures, including 45, at least 245 and 254 train cancellations, with differing services and time periods covered.
Authorities imposed a 24-hour mobile internet suspension in part of central Delhi and stepped up security, traffic controls and other precautions.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party and student groups organised the protest; it seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- A protest over alleged electoral-roll irregularities, amid police restrictions and transport and communications disruptions.
- When
- October 10, 2026; several restrictions began on October 9.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and other parts of Delhi, including central Delhi.
- Why
- Organisers and supporters cite alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and concerns about the Election Commission’s functioning.
Protest organisers and supporters
Authorities and security concerns
Purpose and right to protest
Protest organisers and supporters
Organisers and supporters say the demonstration seeks accountability over alleged electoral-roll irregularities and that people have a right to assemble peacefully.
Authorities and security concerns
Delhi Police denied permission, citing short notice, alleged earlier violations, and concerns about law and order and traffic.
Restrictions on public movement
Protest organisers and supporters
CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke accused the authorities of using restrictions to suppress participation and create fear.
Authorities and security concerns
Authorities cited security and crowd-management concerns; the Supreme Court directed that blanket restrictions on Metro and railway services be lifted.
Electoral-roll revision
Protest organisers and supporters
Protesters and Opposition groups allege irregularities and question the Special Intensive Revision process.
Authorities and security concerns
The allegations of electoral manipulation are disputed; the articles do not provide a detailed response from the Election Commission to the protest claims.
- Protest
- Organisers announced a demonstration at Jantar Mantar for 10 a.m. on October 10, seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- Police permission
- Delhi Police denied permission, citing short notice, alleged violations during an earlier protest, and public-order and traffic concerns.
- Metro
- Most reports said entry and exit were restricted at 45 stations from 9 p.m. October 9 to 6 p.m. October 10, revised from an initial plan involving 57 stations; one report described 57 stations as affected.
- Train disruptions
- Reports cited 45 cancellations, at least 245 cancellations, or 254 cancellations; the reported services and time periods differ.
- Mobile internet
- A 24-hour suspension was scheduled within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing, from 10 p.m. October 9 to 10 p.m. October 10.
- Security
- Reports cited around 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces personnel made available, about 26,000 personnel deployed, and more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel across Delhi.
- Other precautions
- Measures included traffic advisories, barricades, checks at Delhi entry points, and an advisory for Connaught Place businesses to close or remain vigilant.
Sources
Delhi turns fortress: 45 Metro stations shut, cops wear bodycams, protesters detained as anti-CEC stir defies ban
Delhi protest: Metro curbs, train cancellations, traffic diversions as protesters seek CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
CEC protest updates: 45 metro stations shut, mobile internet suspended in central Delhi
