Police in New Delhi detained numerous protesters on Saturday as thousands of officers and paramilitary forces patrolled the capital. Metro stations were closed, and mobile internet was suspended to prevent a youth-led protest demanding the resignation of India's chief election officer.
The protest, organized by the "Cockroach" youth movement, aims to gather demonstrators who want Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down. Critics argue that a revision of voter lists, which removed approximately 130 million names, favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Television footage showed police in the central business district dispersing protesters, who were then detained. About 200 individuals were arrested in the area, according to a police source speaking to Reuters. Protest supporter Dhruv Rathee, a well-known YouTube figure, was also detained outside Delhi, a police spokesperson confirmed.
The protest, described by organizers as a bid to "save democracy," is part of a series of demonstrations following a report by the Indian Express that highlighted disagreements among Kumar's deputies regarding the voter list revision.
Opposition parties claim the government is manipulating voter lists for its benefit. The BJP counters these allegations, citing Modi's popularity and India's economic growth as reasons for its electoral success. They argue opposition parties mislead the public due to their inability to win elections.
The protests present a new political challenge for Modi, coming shortly after demonstrations forced his education minister's resignation over exam paper leaks. This unrest occurs as India approaches crucial state elections in early 2027, including in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh.
The Cockroach Janta party, initially an online satire group, planned to gather at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in New Delhi. However, Delhi police denied permission, citing a late application and previous protest agreements.
Police stated they would enforce the law against any protest violations. To maintain order, tens of thousands of officers and paramilitary personnel were deployed, with barricades blocking roads to Jantar Mantar.
Despite police restrictions, CJP leaders vowed to proceed with the protest. Authorities closed several metro stations and canceled trains, though the Supreme Court mandated that some trains and stations remain operational.
CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke criticized the government's actions, suggesting they were more concerned with suppressing protest than inconveniencing citizens. Mobile internet services were suspended in a 4km radius of the protest area.
The CJP reported that "at least 10,000 people," including those traveling by train, were detained nationwide. Some individuals in Madhya Pradesh were reportedly taken to hotels. Police have not addressed broader claims of mass detentions.
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