Opposition Marches Against Election Commission; Security Tightened in Delhi

NEW DELHI — Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc marched towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The march began from Makar Dwar in Parliament at around 11 am and proceeded towards Nirvachan Sadan.

The protest was organised over allegations raised by Opposition parties regarding the electoral-roll revision process. The Election Commission, however, has rejected the allegations and maintained that the SIR exercise is being carried out within the legal framework. The BJP has also rejected the Opposition's allegations.

Security was tightened across central Delhi, including areas around Parliament, Vijay Chowk and the Election Commission headquarters. Around 4,000 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed, while multiple barricades and traffic restrictions were put in place ahead of the march.

Changes to Form 6, which is used for voter registration, have also become a key point of contention in the dispute over the SIR exercise. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner in petitions related to the matter. The court, however, did not grant an interim request to suspend Gyanesh Kumar.

Delhi Police also imposed traffic restrictions and diversions in several parts of central Delhi to maintain law and order and manage public movement during the demonstration. Commuters in areas around Parliament, Vijay Chowk and Nirvachan Sadan were advised to expect restrictions and congestion.