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Massive demonstrations erupt across India as activists and politicians unite to demand the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged electoral violations.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various opposition groups mobilized thousands in Mumbai and Delhi on Friday to protest alleged irregularities in the Electoral Rolls and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Protesters expressed outrage over voter list deletions, with leaders alleging a compromised electoral system. In Delhi, authorities deployed heavy security, detaining activists and blocking entry routes to the main protest venue.
In Maharashtra, the protest scene was vibrant yet defiant. Hundreds gathered at Shivaji Park in Dadar, singing patriotic songs like "Rang De Basanti" and chanting slogans such as "Gyanesh, it’s done, bro." Veteran actor Shabana Azmi addressed the gathering, emphasizing that voting is a constitutional right being taken away. "Since childhood, we have been hearing that voting is a right, but the same right is taken away; then what will we do? We protest," Azmi stated.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal extended his party's support to the demonstrators. Speaking on Gandhi Jayanti, he alleged that the electoral system had been compromised. "The resignation of Gyanesh Kumar is necessary, but the resignation of the main conspirators is also required," Sapkal said. He insisted the agitation would continue until those responsible for alleged irregularities stepped down.
CJP national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde, speaking at the Dadar site, demanded that the CEC face criminal proceedings. Co-convener Ashutosh Ranka linked the ECI's actions to broader political implications, claiming, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s shop is running because of the ECI. Who is Gyanesh to take away Ambedkar’s Constitution?" Ranka shared personal anecdotes, including a conversation with a cab driver whose name was removed from the voter list despite his family's long residency in Mumbai.
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke criticized the government's competence and dared Maharashtra CM Fadnavis to send protesters to jail. He also labeled the "One Nation One Election" slogan as a cover for BJP's attempt to create "One Nation One Party," claiming the party won states only after vote deletions.
While Mumbai saw mass gatherings, Delhi witnessed intense suppression. The Jantar Mantar main protest site was completely barricaded, with roads around it sealed off. The Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories diverting commuters away from Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, and Parliament Street. Internet services were shut down in areas near the protest site.
Activists attempted to reach the venue from various directions but were stopped. Amit Sharma, a civil engineer, explained his presence: "My entire family’s name is on the voter list but not mine. And there is a lot of harassment that follows. This is why I’m here today, but we are not able to reach the protest site itself." Another protester, Anand Prakash, noted that blocked roads forced him to return home.
AISA national president Neha Bora was detained by Delhi Police and placed in a bus. She later posted a video stating, "Jantar Mantar 2.0 is not done! It has just begun." She mocked the police, saying, "Get rest after today’s detention. Because if you don’t, how will you reach Jantar Mantar at 1 p.m. tomorrow? Thousands of police officers are working to save one man - Gyanesh Kumar - whom we have to ensure gets removed from office."
Students Federation of India (SFI) activists were detained on their way to the site. The Youth Congress reported protesting against the CEC despite these restrictions. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby argued that instead of arresting protesters, it is the CEC who should be arrested for the "criminal activity of cutting people’s votes."
RJD MP Manoj Jha and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists were also detained. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, released from a bus by fellow protestors, said the Election Commission has been turned into a "BJP Commission" that needs to be invalidated. AISA stated that students and citizens had been "brutally detained" for demanding the arrest of Gyanesh Kumar and stopping the illegal Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Security was tightened significantly, with drones monitoring the area and mobile surveillance control vans stationed outside. Women police officers detaining activists were noted for not wearing nameplates. Police made continuous announcements citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS.
Despite the crackdown, resistance persisted. A lawyers’ association from Palghar district in Maharashtra announced support for the CJP, promising free legal assistance to members. Mamata-TMC’s Mahua Moitra extended support to detained AISA activist Neha Bora.
The coordinated efforts across Mumbai and Delhi highlight deep dissatisfaction with the Election Commission's recent actions. The use of excessive force and internet shutdowns in Delhi contrasted with the vocal defiance in Mumbai, suggesting a growing national movement challenging the credibility of the current electoral administration.
The sustained protests across Mumbai and Delhi indicate a potential long-term challenge to the Election Commission's authority. As activists demand criminal proceedings and resignations, the pressure on Gyanesh Kumar will likely intensify. If the government fails to address voter list grievances, further civil unrest and legal battles may follow, potentially impacting upcoming electoral credibility.
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