Thousands are expected to gather in central Delhi to demand the resignation of India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following the deletion of voters from electoral rolls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed 20 states and union territories to conduct a "special drive" to enroll voters who were "left out" during the recent revision of electoral rolls, as stated in an order posted on X on October 1.
The ECI emphasized that voter enrollment is a continuous process, allowing individuals not yet enrolled or whose names have been deleted to apply for enrollment at any time. The objective of the special drive is to identify and facilitate such electors.
This directive comes amid scrutiny of the controversial revision of polling lists and protests in central Delhi regarding the scale of voter deletions. Protesters began arriving near the heavily barricaded grounds of Jantar Mantar early on Friday morning, with reports of police detaining individuals at random.
Around 11:15 a.m. local time (0545 GMT), a large rally led by the Students' Federation of India (SFI) reached the site. The SFI, a leftist student organization, has been vocal in demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's ouster. Clashes occurred between protesters and police as authorities attempted to block access to Jantar Mantar, with water cannons and tear-gas shell launchers deployed, though not yet used.
The protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar are seen as renewed pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Critics argue that the deletion of voters disproportionately affects minority groups and claim that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using these actions to secure electoral advantages. The BJP has countered these claims, stating that the removals primarily involve deceased voters and illegal infiltrators, thereby protecting democracy.
A 2023 law altered the appointment process for the ECI Chief, increasing government influence, which has raised concerns about Kumar's independence. Pressure on Kumar intensified after reports indicated that two of the three election commissioners had raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) process multiple times over the past ten months. These concerns include issues related to voter registration, deletions, and the overall management of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission has dismissed claims of internal rifts, asserting that differing views are a normal part of deliberations. Over 130 million voters have been removed from the draft voters list across 30 states and union territories, placing the ECI at the center of a national debate regarding voter eligibility.
Protests are expected to escalate, with various groups, including the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), planning demonstrations in other cities, although they will not be participating in the New Delhi protest. Security measures have been heightened in central Delhi, with barricades and prohibitory orders in place to limit gatherings.
Today coincides with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, recognized for his non-violent protests and significant role in India's independence movement. The ongoing protests reflect a growing scrutiny of the ECI, which has historically been regarded as a trusted independent institution in the world's largest democracy.