Bangla Press Desk: Over a hundred protesters were detained in the national capital, Delhi, on Friday after taking to the streets to demand the cancellation of the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) process for India's electoral rolls. In the afternoon, a group of approximately 100–150 protesters gathered at the intersection of Kali Bari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg, near Gol Dak Khana. Carrying the national flag and placards demanding an end to the SIR process, the demonstrators began a march toward Nirvachan Sadan (the Election Commission headquarters) but were intercepted and detained by the police.
According to *India Today*, tensions flared in Delhi on Friday afternoon during a march organized by young people demanding the scrapping of the SIR process. When the protesters attempted to march toward the Election Commission building, police intervened and blocked their path, leading to the detention of several individuals.
Section 163 of the *Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita* (BNSS) had already been imposed in the vicinity of the Election Commission. Under Indian law, the invocation of this section restricts public gatherings in the affected area.
Reports indicate that after their march was halted, the protesters gathered to form a 'Jan Sansad' (People's Parliament). This demonstration was part of a broader, nationwide campaign, with protests planned across 88 cities in 18 states, continuing until November 1.
In light of these ongoing protests, security has been tightened across Central Delhi, and traffic diversions have been implemented.
Protests have been taking place in Delhi, with demands for the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Alongside the youth organization 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP), the opposition 'INDIA' alliance is also exerting pressure on the central government. Meanwhile, a citizens' coalition known as 'People Against SIR' called for a march to Nirvachan Sadan on Friday to oppose the SIR process.
Left-wing student organizations, such as AISA and SFI, joined this collective platform—which includes students, farmers, and social rights activists—while the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) also extended its support to the movement. The police had taken precautionary measures in advance to counter the protesters. According to a report by The Indian Express, security arrangements were tightened across central Delhi. The protesters had planned a march toward Nirvachan Sadan (Election Commission headquarters) on Friday at 1:00 PM, passing through Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Gol Dak Khana, and Gol Market. A large police contingent was deployed in the area well before the scheduled time.
As reported by PTI, when the protesters began their march, the police intercepted them by setting up barricades near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Stopped in their tracks, the protesters began raising slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Slogans alleging "vote theft" were also raised. CPM leader Brinda Karat also joined the march.
She stated, "The agitation will continue until the SIR (Systematic Identification and Registration/verification) process is scrapped. Our primary demands are to halt the SIR process and prevent the theft of votes. The right to vote is a constitutional right; you (the Centre) are undermining that right. New evidence is emerging every day, yet you persist in these actions."
According to Anandabazar Patrika, further information has come to light amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Election Commission's internal operational procedures. A response to an inquiry under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh and Vivek Joshi, had written to the Cabinet Secretariat raising concerns regarding the working style of Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Manish Garg.
Given these circumstances, many believe that the march toward the Election Commission and the subsequent detentions on the streets of Delhi on Friday have further increased the discomfort for both the Central government and the Election Commission.
Sources: India Today, Anandabazar Patrika
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