Kumar Bahukhandi
Security personnel detain an activist during a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, in New Delhi, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (Source: PTI)
Students, farmers and activists join central Delhi demonstration against alleged voter deletions as police impose restrictions and stop the procession
Key Highlights
- Police detain protesters marching towards the Election Commission headquarters.
- Demonstrators demand withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Participants gather near Gole Dak Khana carrying the national flag and banners.
- Activists from Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh join the protest.
New Delhi: Delhi Police detain several protesters as a march against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls proceeds towards the Election Commission of India headquarters in central Delhi on Friday, October 23, 2026. Authorities impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, restricting mass gatherings in the area.
March Begins Near Gole Dak Khana
The Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR called the march, which began near Gole Dak Khana at the intersection of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg.
Participants carried the national flag and banners demanding that the electoral roll revision exercise be stopped. Police barricades halted the procession near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara as demonstrators attempted to move towards the Commission’s headquarters.
Protesters Raise Concerns Over Voting Rights
The demonstrators alleged that the revision exercise had resulted in eligible voters’ names being deleted from electoral rolls. They demanded corrective action and raised slogans seeking the withdrawal of SIR and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The allegations formed the basis of the protest; they do not independently establish wrongful deletion in individual cases.
Students, Farmers and Activists Participate
The gathering included students, young people, farmers, trade union representatives and members of Left organisations. Participants travelled from Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and members of women’s and student organisations also joined the demonstration. The Election Commission has maintained that the revision is intended to ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls
