Heavy security deployed in New Delhi on Tuesday as India’s opposition alliance the INDIA bloc marched toward the Election Commission headquarters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, lawmakers carried "Save Democracy" banners with protesting controversial revisions to voter lists and internal divisions within the poll body. Gandhi sat on a dharna (sit-in) near Parliament after security forces blocked the marchers with barricades. Notable opposition allies DMK and AAP chose not to join Tuesday's protest.
The controversy stems from allegations that the revised voter registries unfairly favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party. Both the Election Commission and the BJP have denied the charges.
The protests have gained momentum alongside Gen Z-led student demonstrations. Meanwhile, India’s Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions regarding the commission's neutrality noting it would intervene if decisions breached legal standards though it declined immediate removal actions based solely on press reports.
Congress announced a nation-wide campaign through November, planning public rallies with a major demonstration at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan and plans to introduce an impeachment motion against Kumar during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.
