Delhi on Alert as Opposition Readies Huge Protest Against Election Chief
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Authorities have stepped up security in Delhi ahead of a massive opposition rally, led by Rahul Gandhi, over voter list revisions that critics are using to stir tensions while the Election Commission and BJP reject accusations of bias.
Security forces have surrounded the site of a planned opposition protest in Delhi, where demonstrators are expected to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest, led by Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, is anticipated to draw hundreds of thousands of participants, creating a significant test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as they face another politically charged mobilization.
Authorities have warned of traffic diversions in anticipation of the rally, which is set to cover nearly 1.5 kilometers from Central Delhi to Ramlila Maidan. Senior police officer Rohit Rajbir stated that arrangements are in place to manage the large gathering and ensure smooth traffic flow, with officials focused on keeping order and preventing disruption.
The protests stem from concerns raised by Kumar's deputies regarding the revision of voter lists, which have resulted in the removal of over 130 million names. Critics claim that these deletions disproportionately affect Muslim voters and other minorities, a claim that the Election Commission and BJP have denied. The opposition has been staging near-daily demonstrations since last month, asserting that the changes favor the ruling party. Despite the unrest, analysts note that Modi's government remains stable, with the next general election not scheduled until 2029.