Tensions have boiled over in New Delhi and across various parts of India as mounting protests challenge the integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Demonstrators, led by opposition parties, student groups like AISA, and activist movements such as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The unrest follows an investigative report published by The Indian Express, which revealed that two sitting election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally registered at least 14 objections over a 10-month period regarding database alterations and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The report alleged that key decisions were pushed through without complete consensus, triggering swift backlash from political opponents who claim the exercise has disenfranchised eligible voters to favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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In the capital, police heavily barricaded the area around Jantar Mantar, deploying tear gas and detaining prominent activists and student leaders, including AISA president Neha Bora. Prominent opposition figures, such as CPI(ML) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, and activist Yogendra Yadav, joined the demonstrations to condemn the poll panel’s actions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized the administration, alleging systemic manipulation of the electoral apparatus and calling for comprehensive investigations into the leadership.
