Citizen groups and student organisations march towards Election Commission headquarters to protest alleged voter deletions

NEW DELHI — Security was heavily reinforced across central Delhi on Friday as a coalition of citizen groups and student organisations launched a protest march towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters.

The demonstration, organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, was called to protest alleged voter deletions during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states. Activists and participants gathered near Gole Dak Khana, close to the intersection of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg, drawing support from groups including the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), alongside demonstrators from Delhi, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

The street agitation unfolds against a backdrop of institutional friction within the poll body. According to reports published by The Indian Express, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have on record objected at least 14 times over a 10-month period to SIR decisions and orders issued without their prior knowledge or recommendation. In the wake of these disclosures, opposition parties and various civic organisations have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of irregularities and acting in support of the ruling party.

To manage the disruption, Delhi Traffic Police enforced strict traffic diversions across central areas from 1 pm to 5 pm. Large contingents of Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed near key locations, including the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, sealing off direct approaches to the ECI facility.

Organisers stated ahead of the mobilization that the march would remain peaceful and disciplined. They announced plans to convene a “People’s Parliament” at barricade points if intercepted by security forces, culminating in formal resolutions and the singing of the national anthem.