The march against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls took place on Friday in New Delhi, drawing attention to alleged voter deletions. Organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, the protest attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, farmers, and activists. They carried national flags and banners, expressing their discontent with the current electoral process.

Protesters directed their slogans towards Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation and calling for the cessation of the SIR process. The event featured support from various organisations, including the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). Activists from Delhi, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh joined the demonstration, amplifying the collective voice against perceived injustices.

As the march progressed from Gole Dak Khana towards the Election Commission headquarters, police intervened to halt the protesters. In response, the demonstrators sat down to hold what they termed a ‘People’s Parliament’, reinforcing their commitment to democratic rights. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) emphasised the importance of preserving the right to vote and the right to protest.

Widespread Protests Across the Country

The collective has launched a dedicated website to coordinate protests across India, announcing the planned demonstrations in 88 cities across 18 states. This initiative involves 145 organisations, all rallying against the SIR exercise. The protests are scheduled to continue until November 1, with the aim of raising awareness about the implications of the electoral roll revisions.

Organisers have called upon various segments of society, including farmers, workers, youth, and women, to participate in these demonstrations while proudly displaying the national flag. The Delhi march is intended to remain peaceful, concluding with the adoption of resolutions and the singing of the national anthem. The SFI has also urged solidarity protests in central Delhi and at district headquarters on the same day.

Protesters have expressed that their actions are not merely about reclaiming specific protest sites but are fundamentally about protecting democracy and the nation as a whole. The sentiment among participants is that if designated protest areas are restricted, then every street in the country should serve as a platform for their voices.

Security Measures and Traffic Management

In anticipation of the protest, authorities increased security measures in central Delhi. The Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel took to streets in significant numbers to maintain order. Authorities implemented traffic diversions in various parts of the city from 1 pm, likely to remain in effect until 5 pm, causing potential congestion in areas like Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Connaught Place, and Parliament Street.

The Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected areas and encouraged them to plan their journeys accordingly. This protest comes amid rising concerns voiced by opposition parties and various organisations regarding the SIR exercise and the alleged removal of voters from electoral rolls. The collective aims to ensure that these issues remain at the forefront of public discourse.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on the implications of the SIR process and the collective’s efforts to safeguard the democratic rights of citizens. The protests signify a broader movement aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process, reflecting the concerns of a significant portion of the populace.

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