Protests held across country demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s ouster, hundreds detained

Opposition parties, civil society activists, youth and student organisations held protests across the country on Thursday (October 2, 2026) demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

In Mumbai, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protests at Shivaji Park received support from actors and artists. In Delhi, over 500 people, including former Chief Minister Atisihi, were detained by the Delhi Police.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, condemned the police action against the protesters and said hundreds are in custody. “Their only crime is that they dared to question vote theft,” he said.

Thousands joined the peaceful protests on Gandhi Jayanti, demanding Mr. Kumar’s resignation. “Bapu taught us exactly this – speak the truth, fight peacefully. And that’s what scares this government the most. A lathi can stop a crowd, but not a question. Gyanesh Kumar will go. And the system that put him there will go too,” Mr. Gandhi said.

Congress general secretary, organisation, K.C. Venugopal said the members of the Opposition parties are ready to go to jail to save democracy.

Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) national president and CPI(M) MP A. A. Rahim, who was detained at Jantar Mantar, said the authorities denied permission for peaceful protests even at the designated protest site. “They have blocked Jantar Mantar, closed down the metro stations and shut down the internet. Brutal force was used on protesting youth and students. Senior leaders like Brinda Karat and M.A. Baby were detained. But they cannot stop our protests using force. We will continue our resistance till Mr. Kumar tenders his resignation,” Mr. Rahim said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the crackdown has raised a fundamental question about the right of citizens to protest peacefully over concerns about their votes and the electoral process. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia said in a post on X, “The protest is against Gyanesh Kumar, and Amit Shah is engaged in crushing this protest. Today, the Delhi Police is determined to suppress every voice demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.”