Protests Erupt in New Delhi Demanding Resignation of Election Chief
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Thousands of demonstrators gathered in New Delhi to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that recent changes to voter lists favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
In New Delhi, thousands of protesters rallied to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns that recent revisions to voter lists disproportionately benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The demonstration, led by Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is part of ongoing protests that have persisted for over a month.
Opposition parties claim that the removal of over 130 million names from the voter lists has particularly impacted Muslims and other minorities who are less likely to support the BJP. The Election Commission has refuted these claims, stating that voters who were incorrectly removed can re-register.
In response to the protests, the BJP accused opposition groups of undermining democracy by questioning legitimate electoral processes. Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda characterized the rally as a “carefully orchestrated drama,” suggesting it was a conspiracy to disrupt national order under the guise of democratic expression.
As demonstrators marched towards the historic Ramlila Maidan, security measures were heightened, with hundreds of police deployed, some equipped with riot control gear. The protests have gained momentum since concerns were raised by Kumar’s deputies regarding the electoral roll revisions, marking a significant political challenge for Modi since he assumed office in 2014.