Chief Election Commissioner of India under scrutiny amid voter-roll controversy
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Thousands of protesters, led by opposition politicians and the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party, have marched in multiple Indian cities to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation after a nationwide voter-roll revision removed about 130 million names. Authorities have detained demonstrators, closed metro stations and deployed large security forces while the Election Commission and the government deny wrongdoing.
Thousands of young protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party and student groups, have staged near-daily rallies demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign after a Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls removed about 130 million names. Authorities have deployed tens of thousands of police in New Delhi, detained movement leaders and opposition figures, suspended mobile internet and closed rail and metro links to block access to protest sites.
Protests linked to the Election Commission of India's voter-roll revision have prompted police and security lockdowns in Delhi. Abhijeet Dipke and several leaders were detained on arrival; demonstrations at Jantar Mantar were blocked as authorities deploy thousands of personnel and suspend transport and internet services. Opposition accuse the move of disenfranchising voters; the ECI denies impropriety.
Protest leaders and thousands have been detained in Delhi amid rallies against a voter-list revision. The Cockroach Janta Party has released its founder and leaders, promising peaceful action until the chief election commissioner resigns. The UN has called for their release, while authorities maintain security measures and independent courts oversee detentions.
Opposition parties and the Cockroach Janta Party are protesting in Delhi over voter-roll revisions the Election Commission says aim to remove duplicates and fraud. Police have detained thousands, six metro stations are closed, and leaders are calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation as the debate over how the revisions affect minorities intensifies.
The Delhi Police have designated Jantar Mantar as no longer a protest site, forcing demonstrators to move to expensive venues as a Gen Z-led movement presses for electoral reforms and accountability. Police say the move responds to the Supreme Court’s guidance, but critics warn it narrows access to power.