In brief
Thousands of opposition supporters converged on the Supreme Court in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who is accused of manipulating voter rolls to favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party. Rahul Gandhi called on civil society and rival parties to join the protest, while the Supreme Court declined a meeting with the opposition’s memorandum. Heavy security and traffic bans surrounded the capital, as police detained thousands of demonstrators, including journalists, in a crackdown that drew condemnation from media watchdogs. The CJP leaders faced detainment and release amid growing tensions, and the BJP accuse opposition forces of destabilising India under foreign influence.
Opposition parties gathered in front of the Supreme Court building in Delhi today, demanding the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over claims that voter rolls are being altered to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Thousands of supporters blocked roads and faced a heavy police presence as authorities tightened restrictions on traffic and metro stations.
The protest, led by Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi, extended an invitation to civil society groups and other opposition members to join a march that began on Barakhamba Road. Gandhi unveiled a letter drafted with party president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed to Chief Justice Surya Kant, outlining concerns about the Electoral Commission’s conduct.
Chief Justice Kant declined a face‑to‑face meeting with the opposition, citing that some issues were already before the court, yet reiterated the judiciary’s willingness to hear “every citizen’s concerns” within legal limits. Despite the refusal, Congress planners intend to submit a memorandum after the march concludes.
Police reports indicate that authorities detained more than a thousand protestors and journalists, many of whom were forced onto buses by security officials. Video footage captured moments of alleged physical force, prompting the Reporters Without Borders to condemn the detention of at least 16 journalists and label it an infringement on press freedom.
The CJP leadership, including founders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, were arrested upon arrival in Delhi but released after a day. While Dipke returned home for a family funeral, Das and Ranka promised ongoing protests and a new march date yet to be approved by police.
BJP President Nitin Nabin warned that opposition actors and the CJP were destabilising India under foreign influence, a claim that lacks public substantiation. The protests underscore a growing rift over electoral integrity, with the opposition demanding reform while the state maintains its stance of non‑interference.
