NEW DELHI — Indian police detained hundreds of demonstrators in New Delhi on Sunday, October 11, as a youth-led protest movement continued demanding the resignation of the country’s chief election commissioner over disputed revisions to voter lists.
The demonstrations marked a second consecutive day of confrontations between protesters and security forces in the capital, while smaller gatherings were reported in several other cities.
At the centre of the protests is the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth movement that has attracted attention through campaigns addressing employment, public education and electoral accountability.
Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, and two other senior leaders were released following a court order after being detained on Saturday when they arrived in Delhi.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that changes to electoral rolls have unfairly benefited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
India’s Election Commission rejects accusations that it has favoured any political party. The BJP has also denied allegations of electoral manipulation and accused its opponents of undermining confidence in legitimate electoral procedures.
According to Election Commission figures cited by Reuters, approximately 130 million names were removed from electoral rolls during a verification exercise. Officials attributed the removals to deaths, changes of residence and records that could not be verified.
Opposition parties and critics argue that the process may have disproportionately affected minority voters. The commission says eligible voters removed in error can register again.
Police said approximately 2,400 people were detained during Saturday’s protests, with most released that evening. Further detentions followed on Sunday.
Reuters also reported that several journalists covering the demonstrations were detained, raising concerns about press freedom and access to public events.
India’s Supreme Court recorded a government assurance that journalists and lawyers would not be obstructed while carrying out their professional duties.
Security measures in Delhi included a heavy police presence and temporary restrictions affecting transport and mobile internet services. Metro stations reopened and internet access was restored on Sunday.
The movement’s leaders have indicated that protests will continue, despite the arrests.
The unrest reflects growing tensions over electoral transparency and the political participation of young Indians, at a time when employment opportunities and confidence in public institutions remain important national concerns.
