Opposition leaders, students and the Cockroach youth movement are demanding that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign over a voter list revision.
A nationwide protest in India over voter list changes brought opposition leaders onto the streets of Delhi on Tuesday, where police detained Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during a march demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Reuters reported. Protesters say the revision of electoral rolls could disenfranchise millions of voters and favour the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Associated Press reported that the Election Commission and the government deny any wrongdoing.
How the Nationwide Protest in India Began
Reuters reported, in a story carried by The Kathmandu Post, that hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party protested in Mumbai on October 2. The rally launched a new nationwide campaign against the voter roll changes. Party spokesperson Saurav Das told Reuters the protests would continue until Kumar resigns.
ABC News, citing AFP and Reuters, reported that the party began in May as a satirical online movement. It helped force out the federal education minister in July after a leak of exam papers. ABC added that Delhi police detained demonstrators for a third straight day on Sunday and registered cases against some for breaking orders that ban mass gatherings. Al Jazeera described the protests as almost daily since last week, led by student groups, opposition parties and the youth movement.
What Happened in Delhi on Tuesday
According to Reuters, the march ran about one kilometer from Parliament to the Election Commission headquarters. Hundreds of security personnel, some in riot gear, tried to stop the lawmakers. “The election commission is a puppet in the hands of the government,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters, Reuters said. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Congress leaders of attacking institutions, according to the same report.
Business Standard reported that the INDIA bloc march began around 11 am. After police stopped it, Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders entered the Akashvani Bhawan premises beside the commission. They stayed more than eight hours and asked to meet the election commissioners. Police detained them shortly after 8 pm, and they were released a little after 10 pm.
Business Standard said police put the number detained at nearly 250. It also reported that Delhi Police registered a case on Wednesday against Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for entering the premises without permission. Police said no application for the march had been submitted. Citing PTI, the paper said Election Commission sources reported no request for a meeting from any party.
What Is the Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists?
The Associated Press reported that the Special Intensive Revision began last year in Bihar and has spread to most states and federally administered territories. Voters must provide documents showing they are eligible to stay on the lists. The Election Commission of India says the process removes duplicate and ineligible entries. Critics say it could exclude poorer and more vulnerable voters who lack older government records.
According to AP, commission data indicates voter lists in some regions could shrink by as much as 30%. AP also reported that an earlier revision in West Bengal removed about 9 million names, or roughly 12% of the electorate, before state elections this year. Protesters want the current revision halted and the previous lists used for future elections.
Police Face Harassment Allegations
ABC News, citing AFP and Reuters, reported that Delhi Police said three female journalists alleged sexual harassment by officers near Jantar Mantar on Saturday. The agency promised a fair and impartial inquiry. ABC also reported that Kumar has not commented, and Reuters said the same on Tuesday.
What Happens Next
Business Standard reported that Kharge will host INDIA bloc MPs for lunch on Wednesday to discuss the next steps. The opposition has announced wider protests, including programmes at district and block level and rallies in states. ABC reported that the Cockroach Janta Party plans a major rally in Delhi on October 10. AP noted that India faces a series of state elections early next year.
-Tamrah News
