New Delhi and Mumbai witnessed a series of protests over three consecutive days as student groups, social activists and political organisations demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations began on October 2 and continued through Saturday and Sunday, with the biggest confrontations reported in Delhi. Protesters sought to reach Jantar Mantar, but police restrictions prevented them from entering the designated protest area. Multiple people were detained during the demonstrations. The protests have centred on allegations surrounding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and protest groups have questioned the process and raised concerns about the deletion or exclusion of names from voter lists. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and has defended the revision process.

What Happened in Delhi on Sunday?

Sunday marked the third consecutive day of demonstrations in the national capital. A large group of citizens, students and activists attempted to participate in a 'Citizens March' from India Gate towards Jantar Mantar. The police had deployed a significant security presence in central Delhi. Protesters were stopped before reaching the protest site, while several groups were detained. Recent reporting said more than 120 people were briefly detained on Sunday, while police maintained that the gatherings had not been authorised and that minimum force was used. AISA president Neha Bora was among those detained. Other political and social figures, including AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj and activist Yogendra Yadav, also took part in the protests.

Student Groups and Activists Join the Demonstrations

The protests brought together people from different backgrounds. Student organisations such as the All India Students' Association and Students' Federation of India participated alongside activists and opposition supporters. On Saturday, several prominent figures attempted to move towards Jantar Mantar but were stopped near Kerala House and detained. Among those involved were Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal and activist Prashant Bhushan. The situation became more controversial after women journalists and a woman protester alleged inappropriate or sexual misconduct by police personnel during the protests. These allegations have been publicly raised by the individuals concerned and have triggered further demonstrations outside Parliament Street Police Station. Reports on the matter say police conduct is now under additional scrutiny.

Mumbai Sees Large Protest Against the CEC

Mumbai witnessed a separate mobilisation during the same period. The Cockroach Janta Party called for a protest at Shivaji Park on October 2, demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Despite police restrictions, thousands gathered at the venue. The demonstration became one of the major public protests linked to the Gyanesh Kumar resignation campaign. The organisers have also indicated plans for further demonstrations if their demand is not accepted. On Sunday, another major political demonstration took place in Mumbai, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray participating in a joint protest. The two leaders appeared together as their organisations demanded action over the electoral-roll revision and raised questions about the functioning of the Election Commission.

Why Are Protesters Demanding Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation?

The central issue behind the protests is the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. An investigative report cited by the protesters reported disagreements within the three-member Election Commission over decisions connected with the revision exercise. According to the report, the two other election commissioners had raised objections on several occasions. These reports have intensified questions from opposition parties and civil society groups about transparency and decision-making inside the poll panel. However, these remain disputed political allegations. The Election Commission has rejected claims of wrongdoing and has said that the electoral-roll revision is intended to verify voters and correct the rolls.

Election Commission Announces Special Verification Drive

Amid the protests, the Election Commission announced measures aimed at identifying eligible voters whose names may have been left out during the revision process. The measures include verification of electoral rolls, identifying eligible voters who were not included and helping them submit Form 6 for registration. Booth Level Officers are expected to conduct door-to-door verification and special camps, with attention also being given to young voters. The development has added another important dimension to the controversy because protesters are demanding greater clarity over the voter-list revision process.

Police Restrictions Become Another Major Issue

The handling of the protests has become almost as significant as the original demand. In Delhi, authorities restricted access to Jantar Mantar and deployed large numbers of police personnel. Protesters argued that they should be allowed to reach the designated protest location, while police maintained that unauthorised gatherings could not be permitted. The disagreement resulted in repeated detentions and tense scenes around central Delhi. Reports also showed protesters attempting to resist being taken away in police vehicles.

What Happens Next?

The controversy is not limited to street protests. Petitions connected with the Election Commission's decisions and the SIR process are also before the Supreme Court, adding a legal dimension to the dispute. Meanwhile, protest organisers have indicated that demonstrations could continue. The Cockroach Janta Party has announced plans for another Jantar Mantar protest on October 10 if Gyanesh Kumar does not resign. Opposition parties are also planning further action. This means the Election Commission of India and the voter-list revision are likely to remain major political issues in the coming days.

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Why are people demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation?

Protesters and opposition groups are demanding his resignation over allegations concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

What is Special Intensive Revision?

Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, is an electoral-roll verification and revision exercise intended to check voter records and update electoral rolls.

Where did the protests take place?

Major demonstrations took place in Delhi and Mumbai. In Delhi, protesters attempted to reach Jantar Mantar, while Mumbai saw large gatherings at Shivaji Park and a separate political march.

Were protesters detained in Delhi?

Yes. Multiple protesters and political and social figures were detained during the three-day demonstrations. The number varied across different days and reports.

Delhi and Mumbai Remain at the Centre of the Protest

Delhi: The national capital saw repeated demonstrations around Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Janpath and Parliament Street. Police restrictions and detentions became a major part of the developments. Mumbai: Shivaji Park witnessed a large mobilisation, followed by a joint political protest involving Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.