India Election Chief Faces Calls to Resign Amid Mass Protests

NEW DELHI — Widespread demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar began across India on Thursday, prompting authorities to deploy heavy security in major urban centers.

The nationwide campaign was launched by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) from Shivaji Park in Mumbai on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Organizers confirmed plans to extend the demonstrations to multiple cities in the coming days.

In New Delhi, student groups and civil rights activists assembled near Jantar Mantar to protest the Election Commission's recent administrative actions, specifically targeting the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. The movement has drawn support from prominent political and legal figures, including Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan, and the All India Students' Association (AISA).

Delhi Police denied permits for the gathering at Jantar Mantar, citing public safety concerns following intelligence estimates that between 3,000 and 4,000 demonstrators could gather. Emergency measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed across Central Delhi, banning unauthorized public assemblies.

To manage crowds and prevent disruption, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily closed access gates across 11 central transit stations. Antiriot units and police forces remain stationed along key roadways leading to government districts.

The Election Commission of India has rejected all allegations of wrongdoing, stating that the voter list revision was executed in full compliance with constitutional protocols and established legal standards.