Protests continue in India over voter roll changes

Protests against changes to India’s voter lists continued for a second day on Saturday, with police detaining several demonstrators in New Delhi, Reuters reported.

The protests are being backed by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, opposition groups and civil society organisations.

Around 100 protesters reportedly removed security barricades in New Delhi and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Reuters said police detained some protesters at the scene, but authorities did not immediately provide details about the number or identities of those held.

Among those taking part were MP Kapil Sibal, All India Students’ Association president Neha Bora, activist Prashant Bhushan and political campaigner Yogendra Yadav, according to a Reuters witness.

Neha Bora alleged that names had first been removed from voter lists and that protesters were now being prevented from raising their concerns.

The protesters argue that the recent changes could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Election Commission says the voter-roll revision is aimed at removing duplicate, deceased, ineligible, or otherwise invalid entries and maintaining accurate electoral lists.

The commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintains that the revision is being carried out under established legal procedures.

The dispute has intensified in recent weeks, with opposition groups continuing to demand action against Kumar while the Election Commission defends the revision process.