New Delhi, in recent days, has witnessed a series of protests, arrests and heightened security measures following a campaign by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the Election Commission’s controversial revision of electoral rolls.
The demonstrations, which intensified on Oct 10, have drawn support from opposition parties, including the Congress, and triggered a political confrontation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The dispute centres on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which protesters claim has resulted in the deletion of approximately 130 million names from voter lists, reported NDTV.
The CJP and opposition leaders allege that the exercise could disenfranchise eligible voters ahead of important state elections.
However, the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, has defended the revision as a routine exercise aimed at removing duplicate, deceased and ineligible voters.
It has rejected allegations of political bias and maintained that eligible voters whose names were wrongly removed can apply for re-enrolment.
The protests escalated when the CJP called for a large gathering at Jantar Mantar on Oct 10, reported The Hindu.
Delhi Police denied permission for the rally and imposed extensive security restrictions across central Delhi, including barricades, transport disruptions and limits on mobile internet services.
Thousands of demonstrators were reportedly detained, prompting criticism from opposition leaders and civil rights groups.
Police defended the restrictions as necessary to maintain law and order and prevent unauthorised gatherings in sensitive areas of the capital.
The confrontation subsequently moved into the courts, with legal challenges questioning both the electoral revision process and the restrictions imposed during the demonstrations.
The authorities also withdrew Jantar Mantar’s status as an authorised protest venue, directing organisers towards alternative locations, including Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, reported Reuters.
On Oct 13, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka entered the restricted Jantar Mantar area, waving the national flag and raising slogans.
They were arrested and remanded to five days of judicial custody for allegedly violating police orders and restrictions.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke condemned the arrests and demanded Mr Kumar’s resignation, describing the electoral revision as a threat to democracy.
The BJP, meanwhile, has accused the opposition and protest organisers of attempting to create political instability and undermine confidence in India’s electoral institutions.
Government representatives have rejected allegations that the voter-list revision was designed to benefit the ruling party.
The controversy has also increased political pressure on the Modi administration, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures seeking greater scrutiny of the Election Commission’s procedures.
The CJP has announced another demonstration, titled Lehra Do Tiranga (Wave the Tricolour), at Central Park in Connaught Place on Oct 16, reportted The Hindu.
Police are expected to assess security arrangements ahead of the proposed gathering.
With the opposition continuing to demand the cancellation of the revision exercise and the Election Commission defending its procedures, the dispute is likely to remain a significant political issue ahead of the next round of state elections.
