Left parties, student organisations and civil society members marched towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in Delhi, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, amid heavy security and police detentions.
Several Left-wing organisations, student groups and civil society members staged a protest march towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in New Delhi on Friday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The protest took place amid heavy security arrangements, with police personnel deployed along the route and outside the Election Commission headquarters near Patel Chowk. Several protesters were detained during the demonstration, as the participants pressed for accountability over the electoral roll revision process.
Members of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) and other Left-wing organisations gathered near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Connaught Place before proceeding towards the ECI headquarters. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader P. Sandosh Kumar and political activist Yogendra Yadav were among those who joined the protest.
The demonstrators accused the poll panel of failing to adequately address concerns surrounding the SIR exercise and demanded that Gyanesh Kumar step down from his position. Their protest formed part of a wider opposition-led campaign questioning aspects of the electoral roll revision process.
Speaking to reporters, political activist Yogendra Yadav said the agitation would continue despite restrictions on demonstrations. He argued that the movement concerned the fundamental democratic rights of citizens and maintained that attempts to stop protests would not end the campaign.
Yadav said protesters would continue raising their concerns, adding that the movement would take different forms if restrictions were imposed on particular protest venues. He emphasised that the issue, in the protesters’ view, extended beyond individual political disagreements to questions concerning democratic participation and electoral rights.
CPI leader P. Sandosh Kumar also vowed to intensify the agitation in the coming days. He said the organisations planned to mobilise larger gatherings and would continue their campaign until the Chief Election Commissioner resigned.
The protest prompted extensive security arrangements in the area surrounding the Election Commission headquarters. Police personnel were deployed to manage the gathering, maintain order and prevent disruption near the sensitive government establishment. Several demonstrators were detained during the march.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning commuters about possible traffic congestion and diversions linked to the demonstration.
In a post on social media platform X, the traffic police said diversions would be in place from 1 pm to 5 pm in connection with the anticipated movement of a large number of people from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara towards Jantar Mantar.
Commuters were advised to avoid affected roads, plan their journeys in advance and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel. Motorists were also asked to remain patient, observe traffic rules and follow diversion signs to minimise congestion in central Delhi.
The demonstrations demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation have gained momentum following a media report suggesting differences within the Election Commission over procedures associated with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The controversy has prompted opposition parties and civil society groups to raise questions about the process and its implications for voters.
Earlier this month, protests against the Chief Election Commissioner were also organised by leaders and members of the INDIA opposition bloc and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), resulting in brief detentions of several leaders.
The SIR exercise has emerged as a major point of political contention, with opposition groups demanding greater transparency and accountability in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission’s role in maintaining accurate voter lists and ensuring confidence in the electoral process remains central to the debate.
| Also Read: CM slams INDI alliance, says SEC to decide on CAPF deployment for ULB polls |
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a nationwide campaign titled ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ to counter the Opposition’s criticism of the SIR process. The campaign reflects the growing political confrontation between the ruling party and opposition groups over electoral procedures and the functioning of constitutional institutions.
The latest march in Delhi underscores the continuing dispute over the electoral roll revision exercise, with protesting organisations pledging further demonstrations while authorities remain focused on security and traffic management around the national capital’s key administrative areas.
