Protests Erupt in Delhi Demanding Action Against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

In a significant demonstration at Jantar Mantar, protesters in New Delhi called for the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Detained by police for lacking permission, the demonstrators, organized by the All India Students' Association (AISA), raised slogans alleging irregularities in the Election Commission's operations. Notable figures, including CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya and activist Yogendra Yadav, participated in the protest, which was sparked by concerns over the handling of electoral rolls. The Election Commission defended its actions, stating that internal disagreements are common in a multi-member body.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 25, 2026, 16:19 IST

Protest at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: A significant protest took place at Jantar Mantar on Friday, where numerous demonstrators called for the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to organizers, Delhi Police detained several participants during the event.

A senior police official stated that the protesters had not obtained the necessary permissions for their demonstration.

The officer remarked, "No application was submitted, and no permission was granted. They are being removed."

Among those detained were CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, activist Yogendra Yadav, and other demonstrators, as reported by the organizers.

The All India Students' Association (AISA) Delhi unit, along with various civil society members, organized the protest, where slogans demanding the arrest of Gyanesh Kumar echoed, highlighting alleged irregularities within the Election Commission's operations.

Notable figures at the protest included AISA president Neha, RJD MP Manoj Jha, Bhattacharya, lawyer Prashant Bhushan, Anjali Bhardwaj, and Nandita Narain, according to the organizers.

This demonstration was prompted by recent concerns raised in a report by The Indian Express regarding the Election Commission's management of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

The Election Commission has asserted that differing opinions and internal feedback are typical within a multi-member constitutional body, emphasizing that decisions regarding SIR were made unanimously.