Delhi Police enhance security for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid opposition protests

Delhi Police have stepped up security for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, deploying additional forces amid nationwide protests led by opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Mr. Kumar already possesses a Z-plus security cover, which involves around 50 personnel operating in shifts to secure his residence and convoy. Under the latest decision, reinforced paramilitary personnel and extra police forces have been stationed at his office-cum-residence in Delhi as well as his native home in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities implemented the enhanced measures following specific intelligence inputs and the ongoing demonstrations.

The protests escalated following a media report on September 23 alleging that two of the three election commissioners raised multiple objections during the SIR procedure. Opposition parties have accused Mr. Kumar of assisting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in winning elections, demanding his resignation, a formal inquiry, and a suspension of the SIR process.

Opposition agitation continued through the week. On Tuesday, approximately 300 parliamentarians, including prominent leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav, held a protest march and were briefly detained by police. A subsequent demonstration attempted at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday also led to further detentions. Opposition leaders planned additional demonstrations toward Rajghat, with final strategies discussed during a luncheon hosted by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for opposition MPs.