The political dispute over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls intensified in Delhi after around 150 politicians, student leaders and civil society members were detained during protests near Jantar Mantar and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg on September 25.
The protesters demanded accountability from the Election Commission, including the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and opposed aspects of the ongoing SIR exercise. Delhi Police said the demonstrations did not have the required permission. The detainees were later released.
Congress Joins Nationwide SIR Protests
- The Delhi demonstration was part of a wider protest programme by the Congress against the Election Commission and the SIR process. Congress workers held demonstrations in several states on September 25, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- Among those reported detained in Delhi were Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, AISA president Neha Bora, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and activist Yogendra Yadav. TMC MP Mahua Moitra and activist Prashant Bhushan were also reported to have participated in the demonstration.
- Additional security forces were deployed around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas during the protest.
Fresh Jantar Mantar Protest on September 29
- A separate protest has been announced for September 29 at Jantar Mantar from 2 PM to 5 PM.
- PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to people to participate in the demonstration organised by the Monitoring Committee for Indian Muslims.
- According to the organisers, the protest will raise concerns about voter lists and alleged demolition of religious sites. These remain claims made by the organisers.
ECI Announces Changes to SIR Process
- The developments come as the Election Commission announced several measures concerning the ongoing SIR.
- The ECI said Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit the homes of people who received notices relating to unmapped or logical discrepancies, collect documents and upload them for consideration by the Electoral Registration Officer.
The Commission has also extended the deadline for filing claims and objections:
- Delhi: October 30, 2026
- Maharashtra: October 12, 2026
The disposal deadline in Delhi has been extended to November 30, while Maharashtra’s disposal deadline is November 10.
The ECI has further said that people left out of electoral rolls, including young and first time voters, can apply for inclusion through the continuous updation process.
Opposition Coordination
- The SIR controversy is also leading to further coordination among opposition parties. The INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet in New Delhi on September 30 to discuss its strategy concerning the Election Commission and SIR.
- The Election Commission, meanwhile, has said decisions relating to the SIR schedules were taken with the unanimous approval of the Commission and has rejected claims of internal disagreement over the exercise.
What Happens Next
- The September 29 Jantar Mantar protest and the September 30 INDIA bloc meeting are expected to bring further attention to the SIR controversy.
- For responsible reporting, allegations made by political parties or protest organisers should be clearly distinguished from confirmed actions and decisions by the Election Commission, Delhi Police and other authorities.
