Police in Mumbai resorted to tear gas and water cannons on Friday to break up protests organized by the opposition Congress party and allied groups. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom they accuse of manipulating voter rolls to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Protest movement and demands
The youth‑driven “cockroach” movement, which previously forced the education minister out of office in July, warned it will stage further demonstrations across India on October 2 if Kumar does not step down by Saturday. The movement claims the election commission is colluding with the BJP to alter voter lists and secure victories in recent state elections.
Police response and incidents
In at least two locations, including Chandigarh, police fired water cannons after protesters climbed onto buses and barricades. In Delhi, hundreds of demonstrators scaled barricades and hurled insults at a man wearing a Kumar mask. In several states, protesters shouted slogans, displayed posters calling for Kumar’s arrest, and in one instance burned an effigy of both Kumar and Prime Minister Modi.
Political reactions
Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja described the situation in Chandigarh as “theft of votes” happening nationwide. Senior Congress figure Rahul Gandhi said he has been exposing vote theft for three years and accused Kumar of treason, urging his immediate resignation. The Election Commission responded that internal differences among officers are normal and that its actions remain lawful.
Government stance
The BJP dismissed the allegations, labeling the opposition’s claims a smear campaign and pointing to the party’s continued popular support. Upcoming state elections in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, both governed by the BJP, are seen as key indicators of public sentiment ahead of the 2029 parliamentary elections.
Context
The protests were sparked by a report in the Indian Express that Kumar’s deputies questioned recent changes to voter lists, which opposition parties say favor the BJP. While the commission and the ruling party deny any wrongdoing, the unrest highlights growing political tension ahead of critical state polls.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
