Police detained leaders and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party and closed metro stations and trains in New Delhi ahead of a planned protest demanding the election chief's resignation over a voter list revision that removed more than 130 million names.
Indian authorities deployed tens of thousands of police and paramilitary personnel in central New Delhi on Saturday and imposed transport restrictions ahead of a youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar.
The Cockroach Janta Party and allies called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls that has excluded more than 130 million names since 2025.
Police detained the movement's founder Abhijeet Dipke and other leaders upon arrival, intercepted protesters traveling to the capital, closed dozens of metro stations and cancelled some trains, while a temporary internet suspension was ordered nearby.
The Supreme Court on Friday directed that train services and metro operations not be completely halted.
Opposition parties including Congress have criticized the voter revision as potentially disenfranchising eligible citizens ahead of future elections.
People Sentiments Negative
- Protesters said the government feared public pressure on election integrity
- Officials cited lack of permission and public order for the measures
- Amnesty International called the restrictions disproportionate