India is witnessing growing public anger directed at its Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A recent newspaper investigation has triggered widespread protests over alleged misconduct during a major voter roll revision exercise.
The Indian Express claimed that key decisions in the large scale Special Intensive Revision were likely taken without the approval of two of the three election commissioners. The report suggested internal disagreements within the poll body over the past ten months. The Election Commission of India has firmly rejected these allegations. It insists that all decisions were unanimous and fully within legal bounds.
Opposition parties argue that legitimate voters are being removed from the rolls in a manner that benefits the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by Narendra Modi. Protests demanding the resignation of commission chief Gyanesh Kumar have intensified, with a major demonstration planned in New Delhi expected to attract large crowds.
The controversy centres on the voter revision process that began in 2025. The commission says the exercise aims to remove fraudulently registered names and prevent illegal immigrants from voting. Critics counter that the drive has hit marginalised and minority communities the hardest. More than 133 million names have been excluded from draft rolls so far, roughly 15 percent of the electorate. Final numbers will emerge only after claims and objections are settled.
Thousands have already taken to the streets. The youth led Cockroach Janta Party movement organised fresh protests in Mumbai, while the Congress Party held rallies in the capital. Student leader Neha Bora has become a prominent face of the campaign, declaring that the chief election commissioner should be forced out just as a cabinet minister was earlier this year.
Gyanesh Kumar, a retired civil servant, has headed the commission since February last year and is scheduled to remain until 2029. The Supreme Court has asked both the government and the poll body to explain their decisions and has ordered safeguards to protect eligible voters. Another court hearing is due next week.
