Left Parties, Student Groups March Towards EC Headquarters, Demand Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation

The march was held amid heavy security arrangements, with participants assembling near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Connaught Place before proceeding towards the Commission’s headquarters near Patel Chowk. Several protesters were detained by police during the demonstration.

Among those participating were members of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and the All India Youth Federation (AIYF). CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI leader P. Sandosh Kumar and political activist Yogendra Yadav also joined the protest.

Protesters Vow to Continue Agitation

Addressing reporters, Yadav said the movement would continue despite attempts to restrict demonstrations, arguing that the issue concerned fundamental democratic rights.

“The protests will continue uninterrupted,” he said, adding that restricting a demonstration at one location would not prevent similar protests from emerging elsewhere. He maintained that the movement would continue in different forms.

CPI leader P. Sandosh Kumar said the agitation would be intensified in the coming days, with larger gatherings planned. He reiterated the protesters’ demand for Kumar’s resignation and said the campaign would continue until that demand was addressed.

Security personnel were deployed in large numbers outside the ECI headquarters as well as along the protest route.

Traffic Restrictions Announced

Earlier on Friday, the Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid roads affected by the anticipated march from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara towards Jantar Mantar.

In a post on X, the traffic police said diversions would be in place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to manage the movement of a large number of people.

Commuters were advised to plan their journeys in advance, follow diversion signs and comply with instructions from traffic personnel to minimise congestion.

Political Row Over Electoral Roll Revision

The protests demanding Kumar’s resignation have gained momentum following a media report claiming differences within the Election Commission over procedures linked to the SIR exercise.

Earlier this month, Opposition INDIA Bloc leaders and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner, during which several leaders were briefly detained.

The BJP, meanwhile, has launched a nationwide campaign titled Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy to counter the Opposition’s criticism of the electoral roll revision process.

The allegations concerning the SIR remain central to the political confrontation, with protesters demanding accountability from the poll panel while the BJP seeks to challenge the Opposition’s campaign.