Delhi police closed six metro stations and restricted traffic in 20 areas ahead of a planned protest as opposition parties demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over controversial voter list revisions. The revisions, which deleted over 130 million names from voter rolls, have sparked days of unrest and legal challenges.
Opposition leaders, including those from the 'Cockroach' youth movement, warned of further protests if security measures are not relaxed. The movement, which has mobilized against issues ranging from school infrastructure to jobs, is a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The Election Commission denied any partisan bias, while the BJP accused rivals of undermining democracy.
The Supreme Court has been approached by opposition parties seeking to address the issue through legal channels, with the court declining to meet with Congress leaders. The Election Commission stated that wrongly deleted voters can re-enroll, but critics argue the revisions disproportionately affect minority groups. The situation highlights ongoing tensions over electoral integrity and democratic processes.
The Delhi Police have delisted Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, citing security concerns. Security forces deployed over 30,000 personnel and suspended internet in key areas to control the protests, with thousands of demonstrators detained over the weekend. The controversy underscores the political and legal implications of the voter list revisions and the challenges facing India's electoral system.