Anti-CEC Protests Planned Across Delhi, Bengaluru and Other Cities; Dipke's Participation Uncertain

Protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are expected to take place in Delhi, Bengaluru and other cities, with uncertainty surrounding the participation of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. The demonstrations have been organised by People Against SIR, a coalition of students, farmers and civil society groups opposing aspects of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In Delhi, protesters have planned a march from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Connaught Place towards the Election Commission’s office near Patel Chowk. Organisers have indicated that if authorities stop the march, participants may hold a gathering described as a “People’s Parliament” instead. The proposed demonstrations come amid tensions following the detention of protesters during an earlier demonstration in the national capital. The previous protest on October 16 reportedly resulted in the detention of more than 100 people, including Dipke and student activist Neha Bora.

Dipke’s participation in the latest round of demonstrations remains uncertain. Several prominent activists and public figures have reportedly been invited, including Aishe Ghosh, Prashant Bhushan, Prakash Raj, Rakesh Tikait and Tushar Gandhi. However, their attendance has not been independently confirmed.

The campaign centres on concerns raised by protesters over the Election Commission’s SIR exercise, which involves revising electoral rolls. Organisers have called for greater transparency and safeguards to ensure eligible voters are not unfairly excluded from voter lists. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations surrounding the process.

The planned protests have also raised questions about the balance between public order and the right to peaceful assembly. Restrictions on public gatherings were reported to be in force in parts of New Delhi, potentially affecting the organisers’ plans. The participation of opposition groups, students and civil society organisations could influence the scale of the demonstrations. Attention will also remain on whether Dipke joins the protest and how authorities respond to the planned marches. The developments have brought electoral transparency, voter rights and the accountability of constitutional institutions back into public debate. The outcome of the demonstrations and any subsequent response from the Election Commission are expected to remain central to the controversy.

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