Introduction

New Delhi and Mumbai witnessed major protests on Friday, October 2, 2026, over demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Political parties, student organisations and activists gathered in Delhi against alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Delhi Police detained hundreds of protesters around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas. Police sources cited by multiple reports put the number at around 700, while some reports separately reported more than 500 detainees. Among those detained were former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and several AAP leaders and student activists.

The protests were also reported in Mumbai, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a demonstration around Shivaji Park in Dadar despite authorities having denied permission for the planned agitation.

Background: Why Are Protesters Demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation?

The demonstrations have centred on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and student organisations have alleged that the exercise could result in eligible voters being removed from electoral rolls.

The Election Commission, however, describes SIR as an exercise intended to ensure that eligible citizens are included while ineligible entries are excluded. The ECI's official voter-services platform currently provides facilities related to SIR-2026, including searching electoral-roll information and submitting documents against notices.

Gyanesh Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission's official website states that he took charge as the 26th CEC on February 19, 2025.

Delhi Protest: Hundreds Detained Near Jantar Mantar

The main demonstration in Delhi was planned at Jantar Mantar, with participation from political parties and organisations including AAP, AISA, SFI, NSUI and other student and youth groups.

Delhi Police imposed restrictions around the protest area and detained demonstrators attempting to reach Jantar Mantar. AAP leaders including Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha were among those detained, according to reports.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat was also reported among protesters detained during the demonstrations. Visuals from the protest showed police personnel taking demonstrators away in buses.

Security Measures Intensify Around Jantar Mantar

Security was heavily increased in central Delhi as protesters attempted to reach the designated demonstration area. Reports said barricades were placed at multiple access points and several metro stations were closed as authorities attempted to control the crowds.

The restrictions led protesters and journalists to gather at nearby locations, while police personnel were deployed around key roads and access points.

Some protesters also alleged that internet connectivity was restricted in areas around the protest. Such claims have been reported by protesters and media outlets, while the precise scope and duration of any connectivity restrictions can vary by location and time.

Student and Opposition Groups Raise Electoral Roll Concerns

AISA, SFI, NSUI and other organisations have linked their protests to concerns over the SIR process and alleged deletion of voters from electoral rolls.

The protesters' central demand is the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Their allegations regarding voter deletions and the functioning of the Election Commission remain contested political claims and should not be treated as independently established facts without supporting evidence.

The Election Commission's stated objective for SIR is to maintain electoral rolls so that eligible citizens are not excluded while ineligible persons are not included.

Mumbai: CJP Protest Draws Heavy Security

In Mumbai, the Cockroach Janta Party organised a protest at Shivaji Park in Dadar against the Election Commission and the SIR exercise.

Police had denied permission for the planned protest, citing security and law-and-order concerns, but the organisation proceeded with its mobilisation. Heavy security was deployed around Shivaji Park and nearby areas.

The CJP had announced the Mumbai protest as part of a wider campaign seeking the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Reuters reported that protests were taking place in both Delhi and Mumbai on October 2, with police detentions and restrictions around protest locations.

Political Debate Over SIR Continues

The protests have intensified an already active political debate over electoral-roll revisions and the role of the Election Commission.

Critics of the SIR process argue that documentation and verification requirements could create difficulties for some eligible voters. The Election Commission has maintained that the revision process is designed to protect the integrity of electoral rolls and prevent ineligible entries.

The official ECI portal provides voters with access to electoral-roll services, including searching their names, submitting relevant documents and accessing SIR-2026 information.

Key Highlights

• Protests were held in Delhi and Mumbai on October 2, 2026.

• Demonstrators demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

• Delhi Police detained hundreds of protesters around Jantar Mantar.

• Police sources cited in reports put the Delhi detention figure at around 700, while other reports reported more than 500 detainees.

• Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was among those detained in Delhi.

• AISA, SFI, NSUI and other student and youth organisations participated in the Delhi protest.

• The protests focused on alleged irregularities connected with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

• Mumbai's Shivaji Park saw a separate CJP demonstration amid heavy police deployment.

• The Election Commission says the SIR process is intended to ensure eligible citizens are included and ineligible entries are excluded.

• The ECI's official voter portal provides dedicated SIR-2026 services for electors.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is prepared from the supplied news material and cross-checked against contemporaneous reports from multiple news organisations and official Election Commission of India material. Allegations made by protesters, opposition parties or other political actors are presented as allegations and should not be interpreted as independently established facts. Official positions and reported developments may change as further information becomes available.

Conclusion

The October 2 protests in Delhi and Mumbai have brought the debate over SIR, electoral-roll revisions and the functioning of the Election Commission into sharper public focus. With hundreds detained in Delhi and heightened security in Mumbai, the political dispute over Gyanesh Kumar's leadership and the voter-list revision process is likely to remain a major issue in the ongoing electoral debate.