# Protests regarding Indian electoral rolls

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/protests-regarding-indian-electoral-rolls
> Updated: 2026-10-01T17:03:03.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 2.

Authorities in New Delhi have implemented strict security measures and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) ahead of planned protests at Jantar Mantar. Organized by student groups, youth organizations, and political leaders including members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the demonstrations demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters allege irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming approximately 1.37 crore names were deleted.

Critics argue that the handling of these rolls threatens fundamental voting rights, while the government and the Election Commission deny any wrongdoing, maintaining the process is intended to remove duplicate or ineligible entries. Delhi Police have denied permission for the gathering and deployed thousands of personnel, including Central Armed Police Forces, to secure VVIP areas using water cannons and barricades. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the heavy security presence, describing the measures as turning the city into a “fortress.”

During the mobilization, several AAP leaders, including Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Sanjeev Jha, were detained. Bharadwaj alleged that police mishandled female volunteers and caused injuries. The scale of detentions has drawn criticism following reports of hundreds of students and activists being taken into custody. Public movement remains heavily impacted; the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has suspended entry and exit at several stations, including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, and Mandi House. Traffic diversions are in effect around Connaught Place and Parliament Street, and reports of internet disruptions have surfaced near protest sites. The movement has expanded into a nationwide campaign led by the Gen Z-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alongside organizations such as AISA, SFI, and NSUI, with significant demonstrations also occurring in Mumbai at Shivaji Park.

## Claims

- The protest seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the New Delhi district. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Entry and exit at 11 Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk and New Delhi, have been closed until further notice. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The Delhi Police have denied permission for the proposed mobilization at Jantar Mantar. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Police detained Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Sanjeev Jha during the protest. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Traffic diversions and restrictions have been implemented around Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar Road, and Parliament Street. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Police expect between 3,000 and 4,000 people to participate in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- CJP demands criminal proceedings be initiated against Gyanesh Kumar. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- CJP demands the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process be frozen. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- CJP demands that elections be conducted using the 2025 electoral rolls. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- CJP demands an independent institution be created to appoint the next Chief Election Commissioner. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Gyanesh Kumar resignation protests erupt across India

Protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party and student groups have broken out across India, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter roll irregularities in the SIR process.

52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-delhi-imposes-prohibitory-orders-ahead-of-jantar-mantar-protest

### 2026-09-29: PIB Fact Check debunks viral video of Jantar Mantar protest

PIB Fact Check has debunked a viral video claiming protests against EVMs and the Chief Election Commissioner are occurring at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, identifying it as old footage from January 2024.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pib-fact-check-debunks-viral-video-of-jantar-mantar-protest

---
Cite as: Protests regarding Indian electoral rolls. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/protests-regarding-indian-electoral-rolls