Protests Erupt in Delhi Against Voter Deletions Amid SIR Controversy
Demonstrators rally against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Protesters claim widespread voter deletions during electoral roll revision.
Major organizations and political leaders join the movement in central Delhi.
Demonstrations planned in 88 cities across 18 states as part of a larger campaign.
On October 23, 2026, a significant protest unfolded in central Delhi, where demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The march, organized by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, aimed to reach the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters. Protesters, including students, farmers, and young activists, raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of facilitating voter deletions.
The protest commenced near Gole Dak Khana, with participants carrying the national flag and various banners. Among the notable figures present was senior CPIM leader Brinda Karat, who emphasized the ongoing struggle against the SIR initiative, asserting that the movement would persist until Gyanesh Kumar steps down. Other organizations, including the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO), also lent their support to the cause.
As tensions escalated, Delhi police detained several protesters, prompting the crowd to sit down and conduct a 'People's Parliament' in response to the police's actions. Activists expressed their determination to continue the fight for democratic rights, with one protester stating that the movement was about preserving democracy rather than merely reclaiming protest spaces like Jantar Mantar.
The collective behind the protests has launched a website to inform the public about ongoing demonstrations, revealing plans for rallies in 88 cities across 18 states. This extensive campaign aims to unite various societal groups, including farmers, workers, and youth, in a collective stand against the SIR exercise. The organizers have called for widespread participation, urging attendees to carry the national flag during the protests.
In anticipation of the march, security measures were heightened in central Delhi, with police and Rapid Action Force personnel deployed in significant numbers. Traffic diversions were implemented in the area, affecting routes around key locations such as Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar. The protests reflect growing concerns among opposition parties and civil society regarding the implications of the SIR process and its potential impact on voter representation in India.
