Protests Erupt in Delhi Against Voter List Revision and Election Commissioner

Protests Against Special Intensive Revision of Voter List

On Friday, demonstrators gathered once again in Delhi to protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list and the actions of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Many protesters attempting to march towards the headquarters of the Election Commission were detained by Delhi police. The protesters voiced their concerns regarding the removal of names from the voter list and chanted slogans against the Chief Election Commissioner.

Involvement of Political Groups

The protest saw participation from senior leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), including Brinda Karat, along with members of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and the All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO). The demonstrators raised questions about the SIR process while attempting to march to the Election Commission's headquarters. However, police intervened, preventing them from proceeding and detaining several individuals.

Increased Security Measures

In response to the ongoing protests against the SIR and the Chief Election Commissioner, Delhi police have heightened security around the Election Commission's headquarters. A significant number of police personnel and security forces have been deployed in the area. Additionally, Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code has been enforced throughout the region, prohibiting activities such as protests and marches.

March Organized Under 'People Against SIR'

Previously, a protest march was initiated by the CPI(M), AIDWA, and AIDSO, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This march, titled 'People Against SIR', commenced at the intersection of Kali Bari Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg near the Gol Dak Khana. Protesters aimed to reach the Election Commission's headquarters but were halted by police, leading to multiple detentions.

Ongoing Opposition to SIR

The protests against the SIR and the Chief Election Commissioner in Delhi continue unabated. Various opposition parties are demonstrating at different levels regarding this issue. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, leaders and activists from the opposition alliance have also protested for several days at locations including Akashvani Bhavan, Jantar Mantar, and Raj Ghat.

The Aam Aadmi Party has been consistently voicing its opposition to this matter. Meanwhile, the Cockroach People's Party (CJP) had called for a protest in Delhi on October 10, but police deployed heavy security to prevent that demonstration. Amidst the ongoing political dissent regarding the SIR, security measures around the Election Commission's office in Delhi remain stringent.