NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, OCT 3: Security forces detained more than 700 protesters across key urban centers on Friday following nationwide demonstrations called by opposition political groups and civil organizations. The coordinated rallies targeted the Election Commission of India, demanding an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Major demonstrations were reported in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Vijayawada, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the national capital, law enforcement authorities restricted public gatherings near Jantar Mantar and detained participants from political parties and student bodies, while temporary traffic and internet disruptions were enforced in select security sectors. In Mumbai, large crowds assembled near Shivaji Park to voice concerns regarding the revision process.
Organizers asserted that millions of voter records were improperly removed during the draft revision stage, calling for a comprehensive review to protect voting rights. Election Commission representatives maintained that all decisions regarding the electoral updates were taken unanimously by the panel, affirming that procedures followed standard administrative guidelines. The demonstrations form part of a broader agitation campaign planned by opposition groups through the coming weeks.
