New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on October 14 backed student protesters who alleged police assault during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying, “No one can stand against this voice,” while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing the media alongside National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) activists, Gandhi described the demonstrations as “India’s voice” and urged the government not to oppose them. He also asked students to preserve video recordings and submit evidence of alleged police excesses, promising accountability for those found responsible.

The statement followed protests by NSUI members on October 13 near Rajiv Chowk Metro station and outside the Connaught Place police station in Delhi. Led by NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar, the demonstrators demanded Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several activists, including Jakhar, were detained, according to the student organisation.

Gandhi also highlighted the case of Athira, a student from Kerala studying at Delhi University, who alleged that she suffered injuries to her face and ear during police action. Gandhi claimed that she had lost hearing in one ear. The allegation could not be treated as independently established.

Along with that, members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar but were stopped at police barricades after permission for the demonstration was denied.

The student protests form part of a wider campaign demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral-roll irregularities. The Election Commission’s handling of the SIR exercise has drawn criticism from opposition parties, while the allegations remain contested.

Delhi Police are examining a viral video purportedly showing a woman protester being dragged by her hair. The authenticity of the footage is under verification.