Indian forces tighten security in Delhi ahead of big opposition protest

The protest march and rally will be led by Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, with opposition parties expecting massive participation in what they call a major challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP government. The demonstration demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over controversial voter list revisions.

Voter list controversy

The protests began after the Indian Express reported in September that Kumar's two deputies had raised concerns internally about voter list revisions. The changes, which started last year, removed over 130 million names from voter lists, including 28 million who died, 63 million who relocated, and 30 million who could not be traced.

Opposition parties allege the deletions disproportionately affect Muslim voters and other minorities, who are unlikely to support the Hindu nationalist ruling party. The Election Commission has denied favoring any party and said wrongly deleted voters can re-enrol, while the BJP has accused rivals of undermining democracy.

Security preparations

Visuals from news agency ANI showed riot control vehicles and dozens of security personnel armed with batons and shields outside the rally venue at Ramlila Maidan. Delhi traffic police said a 'large gathering' was expected and traffic regulations would be implemented 'as required'.

Political significance

Analysts say the youth protests and growing support for the opposition form the worst crisis for Modi since he came to power in 2014. Despite the challenges, his government remains stable and the next general election is not due until 2029.

The opposition parties have announced they will hold a nearly 1.5km march from central Delhi to Ramlila Maidan, where their protest rally will take place. Student organizations and the youth-led Cockroach Janta party have joined the near-daily demonstrations since last month.