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Political tensions escalated in New Delhi as opposition parties moved the Supreme Court over alleged irregularities in voter lists and the Election Commission’s controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, while leaders of a new political party were detained during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to Hindustan Times and Anandabazar Patrika, opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge held a “March for Democracy” on Monday (October 12), protesting the alleged removal of genuine voters’ names from electoral rolls.
After police stopped the march, Rahul Gandhi and 10 other senior opposition leaders reached the Supreme Court and filed a public interest litigation (PIL). The petition seeks records of the Election Commission’s disputed decisions and an impartial investigation. The court has scheduled a hearing for October 15.
Delhi Police have also registered two separate first information reports (FIRs) at Barakhamba Road and Tilak Marg police stations. The cases reportedly concern the march proceeding without prior permission and a campaign truck damaging police barricades.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites, recommending three alternative venues, including Ramlila Maidan and Burari Ground.
In protest, leaders of the newly formed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) attempted to enter Jantar Mantar early on Tuesday. Police detained the party’s two co-convenors, Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das.
A video posted on social media by Deepak showed Das, Ranka and other party workers climbing over an iron gate while carrying party flags. Police personnel deployed at the site moved to stop them, leading to a scuffle. The protesters continued shouting slogans, including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Inquilab Zindabad”, before being taken away by police.
Deepak criticised the central government’s decision, arguing that removing a venue from the list of designated protest sites could not take away people’s right to demonstrate. “Resistance can never be removed from a list,” he wrote on social media. He also said new Jantar Mantars would emerge across the country.
The dispute has intensified scrutiny of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whose resignation the opposition has demanded. Reports have also highlighted disagreements within the Election Commission, with two election commissioners reportedly opposing at least 14 decisions over 10 months. The commission, however, has maintained that all decisions were taken unanimously.
The developments have brought the electoral dispute to both the streets and the courts, further heightening political tensions in the Indian capital.
