Protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar continued in Delhi on October 12, 2026, as opposition parties and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) stepped up their campaign over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
The INDIA bloc announced a march towards the Supreme Court, demanding Kumar’s resignation and action over what opposition leaders describe as “vote chori”. The Election Commission has denied allegations of political bias.
CJP Seeks Permission for Fresh Protest
CJP leaders, including Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, planned to approach Delhi Police to seek a date for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The group has maintained its demand for Kumar’s resignation following recent police action against protesters.
INDIA Bloc Steps Up Campaign
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called on opposition parties and citizens to join the planned march to the Supreme Court. The INDIA bloc wants the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise halted and the alleged electoral irregularities investigated.
Supreme Court Meeting Request Declined
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a request to meet opposition leaders, advising them to pursue the matter through legal proceedings. The issues raised by the delegation are already under consideration by the court, according to reports.
Security Restrictions Across Delhi
Authorities imposed fresh security measures in central Delhi ahead of the march. Entry and exit at six Metro stations Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road were suspended until 4 pm on October 12. Traffic diversions were also introduced in several areas.
Dispute Over Voter List Revision
The protests centre on the SIR exercise, which has resulted in more than 130 million names being removed from electoral rolls, according to Reuters. The deletions include people reported dead, those who have relocated and individuals who could not be traced. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the impact on minority voters, while the Election Commission maintains that the exercise is impartial and that eligible voters whose names were wrongly deleted can re-enrol.
Political and Legal Debate Continues
The latest demonstrations have intensified debate over electoral transparency, the right to peaceful protest and restrictions imposed by authorities. With the opposition pressing its demands and the courts examining related issues, the controversy surrounding the Election Commission remains a major national political story.
