Indian police have detained scores of protesters in New Delhi as authorities imposed tight security measures, suspended mobile internet services and restricted transportation ahead of a youth-led demonstration demanding the resignation of the country's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), seeks to challenge alleged irregularities in the revision of India's voter registers, which opposition groups claim could favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to Reuters, approximately 200 protesters were detained in parts of New Delhi, while additional detentions were reported outside the capital. Among those detained outside Delhi was popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who supports the protest, according to a police spokesperson.
Television footage showed police officers chasing young demonstrators through central New Delhi before taking them away in vehicles.
Authorities deployed thousands of security personnel across the capital, while metro stations and markets were closed and mobile internet services suspended in affected areas.
Police also established checkpoints at entry points into the city, inspecting buses and private vehicles for potential protesters. Barricades, concrete blocks and anti-riot vehicles equipped with tear gas launchers were positioned along major routes.
The demonstrators planned to gather at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest venue in central New Delhi, at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Protesters Accuse Government of Undermining Democracy
The demonstration, promoted under the slogan "Save Democracy," follows reports that officials involved in revising India's voter registers had questioned decisions made by Kumar concerning the process.
The controversy intensified after the Indian Express newspaper reported disagreements between Kumar and his deputies over changes that resulted in approximately 130 million voter entries being flagged for removal.
Opposition parties have accused the BJP and its allies within the Election Commission of manipulating voter registers to influence election outcomes.
They also argue that voter deletions may have affected the results of some recent state elections won by the ruling party.
However, the Election Commission and the BJP have denied the allegations.
The commission explained that the 130 million entries were flagged during the draft revision stage and that the verification exercise remained incomplete. It added that eligible voters whose names were wrongly removed would have the opportunity to register again.
The BJP maintains that Modi's popularity and India's economic growth account for its electoral successes, accusing opposition parties of making unfounded allegations because they have struggled to defeat the ruling party at the polls.
Police Warn Against Violating Protest Restrictions
Delhi police said on Friday that permission had not been granted for the demonstration and warned that anyone violating the restrictions would face legal consequences.
According to the police, the temporary measures were introduced to regulate movement, prevent overcrowding, maintain public order and protect demonstrators and other residents.
However, CJP leaders rejected the decision, insisting that the protest would proceed because peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, questioned why the government had imposed extensive restrictions on transportation and communications ahead of the rally.
Speaking to the ANI news agency in Mumbai, Dipke accused the authorities of being afraid of young people and ordinary citizens.
Fresh Political Challenge for Modi
The demonstrations represent a growing political challenge for Modi's government ahead of crucial state elections scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Among the states expected to hold elections is Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, which is governed by the BJP.
The latest protests follow a series of demonstrations by opposition groups over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Earlier protests over examination paper leaks also increased pressure on the government and contributed to the resignation of India's education minister.
The opposition maintains that the voter-register controversy has weakened public confidence in the country's electoral system.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has defended its verification process, maintaining that the exercise is intended to improve the accuracy of voter registers rather than influence election results.
As tensions continue, the dispute over voter registration and the independence of the electoral commission is expected to remain a major political issue ahead of India's upcoming state elections.
Tags
World News