Protests Erupt in London Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on October 17, 2026
Indian students and opposition groups rally against electoral reforms while government supporters hold a counter-protest.
Protests occurred at Parliament Square, London, on October 17, 2026.
Key speaker Dhruv Rathee emphasized the need for electoral integrity.
Counter-protesters expressed support for the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi.
On October 17, 2026, a significant protest took place at Parliament Square in London, where hundreds gathered to voice their opposition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Organized by the Indian Overseas Congress Youth wing and supported by various diaspora groups, the demonstration highlighted concerns over electoral integrity and foreign interference in Indian politics.
The protest, titled "Stop Vote Chori," featured activist Dhruv Rathee as the keynote speaker, who addressed the crowd in Hindi, stressing the importance of ensuring fair elections in India. He stated that the protests would continue until a new Chief Election Commissioner is appointed through a consensus between the government and the Leader of the Opposition. The atmosphere was charged, with chants of slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Vande Mataram" echoing throughout the square.
In contrast, a smaller group of government supporters rallied nearby, chanting in favor of Prime Minister Modi. Metropolitan Police officers were present to maintain order as the two groups attempted to outshout each other. Hirdesh Gupta, founder of India Diaspora (ID) U.K., expressed strong support for the Indian government, urging the diaspora to stand united behind Modi's vision for India.
This protest followed a smaller gathering outside the High Commission of India the previous day, indicating a growing divide within the Indian community in the U.K. The ongoing demonstrations are part of a series of protests aimed at amplifying the demands of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which includes calls for the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and the cancellation of the SIR.
Looking ahead, the Election Commission of India maintains that the SIR is necessary for updating electoral rolls by removing ineligible entries. The protests are expected to continue as various groups mobilize to express their views on electoral reforms and governance in India.
