New Delhi/Mumbai, Oct 2: Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar were held in Delhi and Mumbai on Friday, October 2, with opposition parties, student organisations and youth groups raising concerns over the Election Commission’s electoral roll revision exercise.
In Delhi, more than 700 protesters were detained by police around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas. Those detained included AAP leaders Atishi, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj, RJD leader Manoj Jha, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, activist Yogendra Yadav and members of AISA, SFI and NSUI.
The protests were organised amid continuing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters accused the Election Commission of failing to ensure transparency in the revision process and demanded accountability from CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Police imposed restrictions around Jantar Mantar and stopped groups of protesters from reaching the designated protest area. Several roads were barricaded, while security arrangements were strengthened in central Delhi. Reports also said entry and exit at several Metro stations was temporarily restricted.
AAP leaders criticised the police action and said peaceful protest was a constitutional right. The protesters also questioned the restrictions imposed on demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
CJP holds protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park
In Mumbai, hundreds of people gathered at Shivaji Park following a call by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke. The protest also drew activists from student organisations and support from public figures, including actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah and singer Vishal Dadlani, according to reports.
Protesters carried placards and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Some messages focused on democracy, electoral transparency and the need for greater accountability from the Election Commission.
The protest came amid heightened debate over the functioning of the poll panel and the ongoing SIR exercise.
Concerns over Election Commission decisions
The protests gained momentum after an Indian Express investigation reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months concerning decisions and orders related to electoral rolls and the SIR process.
The reported objections involved issues including changes to Form 6, access and control over electoral-roll databases, voter deletion appeals and the addition of eligible voters.
The Election Commission, however, has rejected the suggestion of a split within the three-member panel. ECI officials said that decisions, including those related to SIR, had the approval of all three commissioners and were taken unanimously.
Protesters demand transparency in voter lists
The CJP has demanded greater transparency in the appointment and functioning of the Election Commission. It has also called for the 2025 voter list to be frozen and opposed what it describes as further changes to the electoral roll.
The controversy has also reached the legal arena. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging aspects of the Election Commission’s functioning and the nationwide SIR exercise.
The protests in Delhi and Mumbai have therefore brought renewed attention to the debate over electoral-roll revisions, the independence and functioning of the Election Commission, and the demand for greater transparency in the electoral process.
