The political confrontation over the Election Commission of India intensified after three First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in connection with a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstration, held on October 2, brought together political leaders, activists and members of various organisations opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
More than 700 people were detained during the protests in Delhi, while demonstrations also took place in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Patna.
The police action has added another dimension to the growing dispute between opposition parties and the Election Commission over electoral procedures, voter registration and the conduct of public demonstrations.
Police Register Three Cases Over Demonstration
According to reports, Delhi Police registered three FIRs in connection with the Jantar Mantar demonstration and alleged violations of restrictions imposed on the gathering.
The cases relate to the protesters’ alleged assembly despite restrictions, disobedience of official orders and other violations associated with the demonstration.
Police had denied permission for the protest and deployed additional personnel around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas.
Several roads were barricaded, while security arrangements were strengthened to prevent protesters from moving towards restricted locations.
The detentions included opposition leaders, political workers and activists who had joined the demonstration demanding action against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Opposition Leaders Among Those Detained
Several prominent opposition leaders were detained during the Delhi protest, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh and Sanjeev Jha.
CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and M A Baby, RJD leader Manoj Jha, activist Yogendra Yadav and former JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh were also among those detained.
The protesters raised slogans against the Election Commission and demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition representatives argued that peaceful demonstrations were a legitimate means of expressing concerns over electoral transparency.
Police, meanwhile, maintained restrictions on the gathering, citing public-order and security considerations.
SIR Exercise at Centre of Political Controversy
The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has emerged as the principal issue behind the protests.
Opposition parties have alleged that the revision could result in the deletion of eligible voters and have questioned the transparency of the verification process.
They have demanded greater accountability from the Election Commission and safeguards to ensure that no eligible citizen is deprived of voting rights.
The Election Commission has defended the exercise, stating that electoral roll revision is necessary to remove duplicate and ineligible entries and maintain accurate voter lists.
The disagreement has intensified political tensions between the ruling establishment and opposition parties.
Mumbai Protest Also Leads to Police Action
The agitation extended beyond Delhi, with a large gathering at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke.
The demonstration also saw participation from public figures, including actors Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, singer Vishal Dadlani and Tushar Gandhi.
Mumbai Police subsequently registered an FIR against the protest organisers and unidentified participants after the gathering took place despite permission being denied.
The case reportedly concerns alleged unlawful assembly, disobedience of police orders and disruption of traffic.
The Mumbai demonstration was part of the same broader campaign demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Cockroach Janta Party Plans Further Demonstrations
Following the Mumbai protest, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced another demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
The organisation has called for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral processes.
Dipke has described the proposed gathering as a peaceful protest and urged citizens to participate.
The announcement comes as opposition groups continue to coordinate demonstrations across different parts of the country.
Election Commission Row Continues to Escalate
The registration of three FIRs following the Jantar Mantar protest marks a further development in the ongoing confrontation over the Election Commission’s functioning.
While protesters are demanding electoral accountability and transparency, police action has brought questions concerning protest permissions and public-order restrictions into focus.
With further demonstrations planned, the controversy surrounding the SIR exercise, voter-list revisions and Gyanesh Kumar’s leadership is expected to remain a significant issue in India’s political discourse.