More than 130 million names removed from voter lists as thousands rally in Delhi to demand India’s election chief resign
Protesters challenge voter-list changes
Thousands gathered in India’s capital to demand that the election chief, Kumar, step down. Opposition parties say changes to voter lists removed more than 130 million names and favoured Modi’s ruling party.
They allege that Muslims and other minorities were disproportionately affected because those groups were considered unlikely to support the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP. The BJP has rejected the opposition’s challenge, accusing its rivals of weakening democracy by contesting legitimate electoral procedures.
Police surround rally site
Hundreds of police were deployed around the rally site, some carrying batons and shields. Riot-control vehicles were also present as demonstrators waved Indian and party flags. Opposition leaders travelled through the crowd in an open-top jeep. The gathering took place at Ramlila Maidan, where a speaker described the protest as a calculated conspiracy, according to ANI; the report did not identify the speaker.
Demonstrations continue
Opposition parties, student organisations and the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party have held near-daily demonstrations since late September. They are calling for Kumar to resign.
Key points
- Thousands rallied in New Delhi to demand the election chief’s resignation.
- Opposition parties say voter-list changes removed more than 130 million names and disproportionately affected minorities.
- The BJP says its opponents are undermining democracy by challenging legitimate electoral procedures.
- Demonstrations have continued since late September, with the next general election due in 2029.