Indian opposition leaders led a march to police barricades around the Supreme Court on Monday, escalating protests against the country's chief election commissioner. The demonstration, led by Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures, aimed to submit a petition demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over controversial voter roll deletions.
Background of the Protests
The protests follow weekend unrest in Delhi, where thousands were detained as part of the 'Gen Z Cockroach' movement. Opposition parties and civil society groups allege that Kumar's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has disproportionately affected Muslim voters and other minorities, deleting over 130 million names since last year—more than the population of Japan.
Key Figures and Demands
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition alliance, alongside student groups, declared their intention to march to the Supreme Court and submit a petition calling for Kumar's resignation. The election commission has denied favoring any political party, but critics argue the deletions entrench the power of Narendra Modi's BJP government.
Why the March Matters
The march highlights growing concerns over democratic processes in India. The opposition claims that the SIR is a tool to 'purify' electoral rolls, targeting non-BJP voters. This has sparked nationwide debates on electoral integrity and minority rights.
Comparison of Voter Roll Deletions
| Year | Names Deleted (approx.) | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 50 million | Initial SIR implementation |
| 2024 | 80 million | Escalation and protests |
| 2025 | 130 million | Mass unrest and opposition marches |
Key Takeaways
- Opposition leaders demand resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Over 130 million voters removed from electoral rolls since last year.
- Muslims and minorities disproportionately affected, allege opposition parties.
- Protests met with police barricades and detentions in Delhi.
- Election commission denies bias, citing routine verification.
FAQ
What is the special intensive revision (SIR)?
What is the special intensive revision (SIR)?

SIR is an exercise to verify and update electoral rolls, which critics say is used to delete legitimate voters, particularly from minority communities.
Why are opposition leaders protesting?
Why are opposition leaders protesting?
They demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the SIR is biased and undermines democracy.
How many voters have been affected?
How many voters have been affected?
More than 130 million names have been deleted from voter lists since last year, according to opposition claims.