India Upgrades CEC Security Amid Opposition Electoral Protests
The Indian government granted Z+ security to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as opposition leaders lead nationwide protests over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
The Government of India has upgraded the security cover for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to Z+ status following a threat assessment. The enhancement includes increased personnel at the Election Commission office and Kumar's residences in Delhi and Agra after protesters attempted to enter his residential colony.
Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have held consecutive days of protests demanding Kumar's resignation. They allege a "criminal conspiracy" to hijack the country and destroy the Constitution, specifically citing irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Reports indicate other Election Commissioners had previously objected to SIR-related decisions issued without their knowledge.
In Patna, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav led the 'Aakrosh March' toward Lok Bhavan. Police intercepted the group, detaining several INDIA bloc leaders while transporting Yadav to the Bihar Lok Bhavan in a police vehicle. Yadav accused the administration of using barricades to protect the Chief Election Commissioner and claimed those in power used fraudulent means to steal votes.
Further unrest is expected as the Cockroach Janta Party has called for a mobilization on October 10. The party is demanding a complete overhaul of the electoral system and the repeal of the 2023 law governing Election Commission appointments.
