Delhi Anti-CEC Protest: 160 Detained During March

Around 160 people were detained by Delhi Police during an anti-CEC protest on October 3. The march was held in New Delhi over concerns about voter-list changes and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Several prominent activists joined the protest. They included senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, activist Yogendra Yadav, AISA president Neha Bora and RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also attended the march.

Delhi Police Detain Protesters

The protesters started their march from the Vithal Bhai Patel House area at around 3 pm. Police said the protesters did not have permission to hold the march. Officers also said that prohibitory orders were in force in New Delhi.

According to police, officers asked the protesters to disperse. However, the march continued. Police then detained around 160 people and took them to different police stations.

Protest Over Voter Roll Changes

The protest focused on changes to electoral rolls under the SIR exercise. Protesters have raised concerns about the process and demanded greater accountability from the Election Commission.

The Election Commission has defended the exercise. It says the process aims to identify duplicate, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries. The commission has also said that eligible voters should be included in the electoral rolls.

Another March Planned in Delhi

Yogendra Yadav has announced another citizens’ march for October 4. Protesters are expected to gather near India Gate at 3 pm before moving towards Jantar Mantar.

The latest detention came a day after around 1,000 people were detained in Delhi during attempts to gather near Jantar Mantar. Police have also registered cases linked to the earlier protest.

The protests are continuing as political groups and civil society activists debate the impact of voter-roll revisions and the role of the Election Commission.

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