Protests erupt over voter roll changes; leaders detained

The Cliff News | 2 October 2026

Widespread protests have gripped major Indian cities against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, leading to the detention of numerous political leaders and activists. Demonstrations centered in Delhi's Jantar Mantar and Mumbai's Shivaji Park saw thousands demanding transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president, Neha Bora, urged protesters to regroup at Jantar Mantar after her detention. "All comrades, please return to Jantar Mantar and stand together for democracy and our right to vote. Do not be intimidated. Do not be silenced. Our peaceful protest continues," she stated.

AAP Leaders Detained Amid Intensifying Protests

Several prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, were among the more than 700 individuals detained by Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar. The detentions occurred as protests against the SIR intensified.

In a post on X, Atishi declared, "Modi Ji: We haven't come here to fear your police. To save the right to vote, we will keep fighting ✊🏼." The official AAP X handle also confirmed the arrest of MLA Sanjeev Jha ji and Saurabh, emphasizing that the movement would persist despite the crackdown.

Saurabh Bharadwaj later shared via X that over 500 people had gathered at Jantar Mantar before the scheduled protest, noting, "GenZ rocks."

Internet Services Disrupted in Protest Zone

In a significant development, mobile internet services were reportedly disrupted in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar. Users in the area received messages stating that internet services have been suspended "as per government instructions" until further notice, raising concerns about the free flow of information.

Nationwide Agitation Planned, Permissions Denied

Massive protests were planned across Delhi and Mumbai. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) intended to launch its nationwide agitation from Mumbai's Shivaji Park, while the AAP, AISA, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) organized a separate demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Dipke of the CJP, speaking in Mumbai, called for transparency in the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), advocating for the involvement of civil society. The CJP and various opposition parties have voiced strong criticism of the CEC over the SIR of electoral rolls, demanding his resignation.

Criticism against the CEC escalated following reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months concerning certain decisions and orders, some of which they claimed were issued without their knowledge. The Election Commission, however, later clarified that all decisions, including those related to the SIR, were taken unanimously by the three-member commission.

Mumbai Gears Up for Protest Amidst Restrictions

In a new video, Dipke was seen with an auto driver urging commuters to gather at Shivaji Park for the protest. The accompanying caption read, "Chala chala shivaji park.. shivaji park… shivaji park…," with the auto driver in the video stating, 'Shivaji Park 4 baje.'

Authorities Deny Permissions in Both Cities

Police in both Delhi and Mumbai have denied permission for the planned protests. In Delhi, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are in effect across the New Delhi district, restricting public gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing, and dharnas without prior written consent.

A Delhi DCP stated that these restrictions were imposed to ensure public safety, maintain public order, and facilitate smooth traffic movement. Similarly, Mumbai Police denied permission for the gathering at Shivaji Park, citing a 2013 Bombay High Court order that designates the area as a silence zone and prohibits such gatherings.

Delhi Metro Services Affected

In response to the security situation and potential for disruption, the Delhi Metro has closed entry and exit points at 11 stations. These include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, and New Delhi, effective until further notice.