On 1 November, in the Indian capital, New Delhi, thousands of people took to the streets in a large-scale demonstration demanding the resignation of the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Gyanesh Kumar. The protests were sparked by a review of the electoral roll, which resulted in more than 130 million names being removed from it. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of attempting to influence the upcoming elections, whilst the government and the electoral commission reject the allegations. The protest was led by one of the opposition leaders, Rahul Gandhi.
- Thousands of Indians protested in New Delhi against changes to the electoral roll.
- Over 130 million records have been removed from the registers.
- The opposition is calling for the resignation of the head of the Electoral Commission, Gyanesh Kumar.
- Rahul Gandhi accused the authorities of violating electoral rights.
- The Modi government and the Electoral Commission have rejected the allegations.
In New Delhi, thousands of demonstrators called for the resignation of the head of the electoral commission
A mass demonstration took place in the historic Ramlila Maidan square in the centre of the Indian capital. Participants gathered carrying national flags and the symbols of opposition parties, calling on the authorities to halt the review of the electoral rolls.
Before the demonstration began, the police stepped up security measures, closed off some streets and diverted public transport routes. Hundreds of police officers were deployed around the square, including units equipped with shields and specialist equipment.
Rahul Gandhi, who leads the opposition in the lower house of parliament, accused the leadership of the electoral commission of depriving citizens of their right to vote during his speech. According to him, the removal of millions of voters from the electoral roll constitutes a violation of democratic principles and requires officials to be held personally accountable.
The politician described the actions of the head of the electoral commission as a betrayal of national interests and stated that Gyaneesh Kumar should step down from his post.
Over 130 million names have been removed from the electoral registers
A major review of the electoral register began last year. According to figures cited by Reuters, Over 130 million entries have been removed from the electoral registers — more than the population of Japan.
The Electoral Commission explains that the changes are necessary to remove duplicate entries, records of deceased persons, and citizens who have changed their place of residence or no longer meet the registration requirements.
However, opposition parties claim that the procedure has disproportionately affected Muslims and members of other minority groups, who traditionally tend to be less likely to support the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The rally was attended by people who claimed that their relatives had been wrongly removed from the lists. In particular, a member of the student wing of the Indian National Congress party« Rina Mahto She explained that four members of her family had lost their registration due to an alleged change of address, even though they continue to live at the same address.
The Electoral Commission denies any political bias and emphasises that citizens who have been wrongly removed from the register may re-register.
The Modi government has accused the opposition of attempting to destabilise the country
Representatives of the ruling BJP have sharply criticised the organisers of the demonstration. The Minister for Health Jagat Prakash Nadda described the protest as a pre-organised political spectacle and accused the opposition of attempting to provoke unrest.
Protests against changes to the electoral system are continuing in India since the end of September. They were joined by student organisations, opposition parties and youth movements.
A new wave of discontent arose following a report in *The Indian Express* about internal reservations raised by two members of the electoral commission regarding the procedures for updating the electoral registers and digital systems.
The next general election in India is scheduled for 2029. Despite large-scale demonstrations, Narendra Modi’s government currently retains its parliamentary majority.
