Thousands of Indians took to the streets on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Election Commission of India chief Gyanesh Kumar, amid allegations of wrongdoing during a large-scale voter-roll revision. The protests, which began on Friday, claim that millions of names were removed from the lists. The ECI has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, but Kumar himself has not commented on the issue. The protests saw supporters of the Congress Janta Party, a satirical online movement, joining in.
In Mumbai, thousands marched waving Indian flags, demanding Kumar's resignation. CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke said in a social media post that "Mumbai is out on the streets again for free and fair elections!" He added that "All Indians need to come together. It's now or never!" The CJP has been vocal about its support for the protests, with Dipke calling for solidarity with all protestors.
The protests also turned to allegations of sexual harassment against police officers during protests in New Delhi on Saturday. Delhi police said that allegations were made by three female journalists against police officers, and promised a "fair and impartial enquiry." A complainant said in a video posted on social media that a police officer pushed and touched her "inappropriately."
In New Delhi, a few dozen activists, including CJP supporters, gathered outside a police station on Sunday to demand action over the allegations. CJP activist Saurav Das said that a delegation with the victim was inside the police station. Dipke demanded that the accused officer "must be arrested immediately."
Opposition politicians have accused the ECI of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. They have announced plans to march to the Election Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, and hold "Save Democracy" rallies countrywide afterwards.
The CJP has called for a "massive mobilisation of young Indians" in New Delhi on October 10. The protests have been marked by widespread participation, with thousands taking to the streets in Mumbai and other cities. The issue has sparked a national debate on the independence of the Election Commission.
The police investigation into the harassment allegations is ongoing, with Delhi police promising a thorough probe. The outcome of the investigation and the protests' impact on the Election Commission's functioning remain to be seen. The protests have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in India.
Key points
- Thousands protest in Mumbai demanding Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
- Police launch investigation into sexual harassment allegations against officers during New Delhi protests.
- Opposition politicians accuse ECI of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP.
