New Delhi: More than 700 protesters, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders and members of student organisations, were detained near Jantar Mantar on Friday, October 2, during a demonstration demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest was organised over allegations of irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the deletion of voters’ names.

Police imposed prohibitory orders around Jantar Mantar and deployed additional personnel after protesters gathered at the designated demonstration site. Officials said the action was taken to prevent an unauthorised gathering and maintain public order.

Those detained included members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and other student organisations. Leaders and workers from political parties also participated in the demonstration.

Protesters raised slogans against Kumar and demanded greater transparency from the Election Commission over the revision exercise. They sought restoration of names allegedly removed from electoral rolls and called for an independent inquiry into the process.

Police said the detainees were taken to different locations for processing and that further action would be taken according to law.

Opposition parties have alleged that the SIR exercise lacks adequate transparency and safeguards, and could affect eligible voters unable to complete verification formalities. The Election Commission has maintained that electoral-roll revisions are aimed at removing duplicate, shifted and unverifiable entries and ensuring accurate voter lists.

October 2nd’s demonstration followed similar protests in other states, with Opposition parties continuing to demand accountability from the poll panel and Kumar’s resignation.