New Delhi, November 1, 2026: The Opposition INDIA bloc held a major protest at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, intensifying its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used the rally to accuse the Election Commission of failing to protect the integrity of the voter list.
Protest Focuses on Voter-List Revision
The INDIA bloc has been protesting against the Special Intensive Revision process, alleging that large numbers of legitimate voters have been removed from electoral rolls.
Opposition parties claim the deletions disproportionately affect vulnerable and minority communities. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of political bias and said eligible voters who were wrongly excluded can seek re-enrolment.
Rahul Gandhi Targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Rahul Gandhi has made Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar a central target of the Opposition campaign.
The bloc has demanded his resignation and has also staged a symbolic “impeachment” exercise as part of its broader political push against the Election Commission.
Heavy Security Deployed in Central Delhi
Nearly 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across central Delhi in connection with the protest.
Barricades were placed on roads leading to Ramlila Maidan, while traffic restrictions and security arrangements were put in place to prevent protesters from moving towards restricted areas.
Rally Part of ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ Campaign
The Ramlila Maidan gathering forms part of the Opposition’s broader “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao” campaign.
Congress and its INDIA bloc allies have been organising marches, public meetings and outreach programmes over the voter-list revision issue and have indicated that the agitation will continue beyond Delhi.
BJP Rejects Opposition Allegations
The BJP has rejected the Opposition’s claims and accused INDIA bloc parties of undermining democratic institutions.
The Election Commission has similarly defended the revision process, saying the exercise is intended to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls by removing entries linked to people who are deceased, relocated or otherwise ineligible.
Opposition Plans to Continue Campaign
INDIA bloc leaders have indicated that they plan to take their allegations to President Droupadi Murmu and continue protests in different states.
The issue is expected to remain a major political flashpoint as the Opposition seeks to build momentum around electoral transparency and voter-list integrity.
Source: Reuters, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
