A group of social activists and student leaders has called for a protest at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, demanding greater accountability from the Election Commission and the “impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The organisers said the gathering will begin at 11 am and is aimed at raising concerns over the poll panel’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The group includes AISA president Neha Bora, advocate Prashant Bhushan and RJD MP Manoj Jha. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the speakers raised concerns about the handling of electoral rolls and alleged that the SIR exercise had raised questions over the protection of citizens’ voting rights. They also reiterated their demand for Kumar’s resignation.

Bora said organisers had informed the Parliament Street police about the proposed gathering, including details about the expected turnout, timing and those responsible for organising the event. She alleged that protesters had previously faced restrictions and detention while attempting to raise concerns related to electoral issues. Another AISA member said the organisers had not received any “rejection” from the police regarding the proposed protest.

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Bhushan alleged that there had been several procedural irregularities during the electoral-roll revision process and claimed that decisions concerning the addition and deletion of voters had become centralised. Jha said the issue should not be viewed solely as a confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition, arguing that it concerned the voting rights of citizens. The speakers also called for greater accountability from the Election Commission.

The proposed demonstration comes amid protests by Opposition parties, student organisations and civil society groups in Delhi over the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2 over the issue. After being denied permission, the group said it would instead hold a “Jail Bharo Andolan”.

The INDIA bloc also announced protest programmes on Wednesday, with “save democracy” marches planned across districts from October 2 to 8. The marches will be held outside district magistrates’ offices, with youth groups and NGOs also invited to participate. Opposition parliamentarians have additionally announced plans for a march to the Election Commission’s office in New Delhi on October 6.

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