Protesters in Delhi and Mumbai demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Internal friction within the Election Commission of India (ECI) drives current unrest. The Indian Express reported on September 23, 2026, that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded 14 formal objections over 10 months. These objections concerned decisions made by the poll panel regarding the special intensive revision of electoral rolls that began in June 2025. The ECI stated that the three-member body made all decisions unanimously. The reported dissent raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and potential voter disenfranchisement.

Public scrutiny intensified when these internal disagreements became public. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized mass demonstrations in response to this tension. Protests draw support from student organizations and political figures. Demonstrators demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The movement challenges the commission's handling of voter data and the ongoing revision exercise.

1. Protesters demand accountability from the Election Commission. Neha Bora, national president of the All India Students Association (AISA), stated that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar will continue on October 3, 2026. The group seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

2. Public figures joined a protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on October 2, 2026, to question the commission's impartiality. Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Dadlani, and activist Tushar Gandhi attended the event.

3. Protesters cite internal commission dissent to support their claims. The Indian Express reported on September 23, 2026, that two commissioners formally objected 14 times to the panel's decisions. The Election Commission maintains that all decisions were unanimous.

4. The protest movement mobilized a large number of participants. Authorities detained over 700 people in Delhi on October 2, 2026, during the demonstrations. The Cockroach Janta Party continues to organize across major cities. Organizers stated that the protests will continue.

1. The Election Commission of India maintains that its operations were unanimous. On October 2, 2026, the commission stated that all decisions were made unanimously by the three-member body. This included decisions related to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The Indian Express reported 14 formal objections from two commissioners.

2. Public disruption and safety concerns followed the protests. Delhi authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to maintain order. A 75-year-old man died of a heart attack during a protest in Mumbai on October 2, 2026. Police prohibited gatherings of five or more people.

3. Protest organizers established a timeline for their demands. Abhijeet Dipke of the Cockroach Janta Party stated that the group plans to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, 2026, if the Chief Election Commissioner does not resign.