Thousands rally in New Delhi demanding resignation of India's election chief
Summary
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi staged a protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision that removed about 130 million voter names, roughly 15 % of the electorate. Tens of thousands gathered at Ramlila Maidan after police withdrew Jantar Mantar as a venue. Authorities deployed over 4,000 police and paramilitary forces and installed more than 200 cameras, drones and body‑worn cameras along the route.
Why it matters
The protest highlights concerns that the voter‑list cleanup could disenfranchise large groups, especially minorities, potentially affecting future election outcomes, a worry for opposition parties and civil‑rights groups. The government argues the revision safeguards the integrity of the electoral roll, which it says is essential for credible elections and public confidence.
Sources (5)
- India: Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi of ‘stealing votes’, demands election chief’s resignation Khaleej Times
- Thousands rally in New Delhi to demand India’s election chief resign Al Jazeera
- Indian opposition parties stage new protest against the elections chief Breitbart
- India's opposition parties stage new protest against the country's election chief ABC News
- Indian forces tighten security in Delhi ahead of big opposition protest The Guardian