Demand for Chief Election Commissioner’s Resignation: Indian Police Crack Down on Protesters

New Delhi — Public and political protests over alleged irregularities in India’s electoral system, election processes and voter lists have intensified under the Modi government, with growing calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.

According to a report by The Straits Times, police used heavy shelling and tear gas against Congress protesters who took to the streets demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that political group ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ also called for the immediate resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner following allegations of large-scale manipulation and irregularities in voter lists.

According to Indian publication The Wire, students and ordinary citizens protesting alleged irregularities in voter lists and raising questions over electoral transparency were initially harassed by police, after which dozens of people were detained.

Internal affairs experts and analysts said the controversy surrounding voter lists and administrative procedures has raised serious questions and new concerns about the prospects for free and fair elections in India.