Nationwide protests demand Chief Election Commissioner's removal; hundreds detained

Protests erupted across the country on Friday, October 2, 2026, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with hundreds detained by police during demonstrations. In Mumbai, the Cockroach Janata Party-led protests at Shivaji Park received support from actors and artists. In Delhi, over 500 people, including former Chief Minister Atisihi, were detained by Delhi Police.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, condemned the police action against protesters, stating that hundreds remain in custody for questioning electoral processes. "Their only crime is that they dared to question vote theft," he said. Thousands joined the peaceful protests on Gandhi Jayanti, with Gandhi declaring: "A lathi can stop a crowd, but not a question. Gyanesh Kumar will go. And the system that put him there will go too." Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said Opposition members are ready to face jail to save democracy.

Democratic Youth Federation of India president A.A. Rahim, detained at Jantar Mantar, reported that authorities blocked the designated protest site, closed metro stations, and shut down internet services. Senior leaders including Brinda Karat and M.A. Baby were also detained. Opposition parties, civil society activists, and student organisations have continued demanding electoral reforms and the rollback of unspecified measures.