Gyanesh Kumar Resignation: Jantar Mantar Protest

Gyanesh Kumar Resignation: Jantar Mantar Protest

New Delhi, October 2, 2026: A protest demanding Gyanesh Kumar resignation was called at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Friday, with organisers raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration and tightened security across central Delhi.

Why are protesters demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation?

The protest has been linked to concerns raised by opposition groups, student organisations and civil society activists over the SIR process and changes in electoral rolls.

Organisers have questioned the transparency of the process and raised concerns about the voting rights of citizens. Some groups have consequently called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign or be removed from office.

According to reports, the protest call involved AISA president Neha Bora, advocate Prashant Bhushan and RJD MP Manoj Jha, who announced plans for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar at 11 am on October 2.

Delhi Police denies permission

Delhi Police did not grant permission for the proposed Jantar Mantar demonstration. Authorities increased security in central Delhi because of expectations of a large gathering.

Traffic restrictions and advisories were also issued for areas around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Connaught Place and nearby central Delhi locations.

Reports also said that entry and exit at several Delhi Metro stations were temporarily restricted as part of the security arrangements, while interchange facilities continued at selected stations.

What is the SIR controversy?

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process related to the revision and verification of electoral rolls. Opposition parties, student groups and civil society organisations have raised concerns about transparency and the possibility of eligible voters being affected during the revision process.

Election authorities, however, have described the exercise as being aimed at identifying duplicate and ineligible entries and improving the accuracy of electoral rolls. The issue remains politically contested, with different groups presenting different interpretations of the process.

Earlier protests at Jantar Mantar

The latest protest call follows earlier demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner. On September 25, protesters gathered around Jantar Mantar and other parts of central Delhi, with police detaining a number of political, student and civil society activists.

Those demonstrations also focused on the SIR process and demands concerning the Election Commission.

What happens next?

The October 2 protest is part of a wider political dispute surrounding the Election Commission, electoral rolls and the SIR exercise. Various groups have announced further demonstrations in different parts of the country.

Claims made by protest organisers about electoral irregularities remain claims made by those groups and should be distinguished from independently established facts. Official information and responses from the Election Commission are also relevant when assessing the ongoing controversy.

Conclusion

The Gyanesh Kumar resignation demand has become a major part of the ongoing debate surrounding the Election Commission and the SIR electoral-roll revision process. A protest was called at Jantar Mantar on October 2, while Delhi Police denied permission and strengthened security in central Delhi. The issue is expected to remain a focus of political and public debate.