‘Cockroach’ protesters demand India’s election chief resign over voter list changes

Protesters from India’s “Cockroach” youth movement convened in Mumbai on Friday, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over voter list changes. The movement, initially an online campaign, has transformed into the Cockroach Janata Party and has earlier forced the education minister to resign in July. The Mumbai rally aims to trigger nationwide demonstrations.

Separately, police barred student and civil society groups from gathering at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in New Delhi, to make the same demand. Dozens of protesters and some opposition leaders were detained after the site was barricaded. The protests amplify pressure on India’s Election Commission, which manages elections nationwide.

Critics allege the Commission altered voter registrations to favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, a claim both the Commission and government deny. India’s election commission is facing internal dissent, with two commissioners opposing several decisions related to voter list revisions, registration procedures, and digital systems.

However, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar overruled their objections, as per Indian law requiring a majority decision from the three-member Commission. The Commission refuted the allegations, stating they were based on differing views rather than formal objections. The voter list revisions started in Bihar last year and have since covered most of the country, potentially removing millions of names.

Critics argue the revisions are confusing and difficult to meet, which could disenfranchise millions of voters. The Commission maintains the revisions aim to remove duplicate and ineligible entries while keeping eligible voters on the lists. The “Cockroach” movement has expanded its focus beyond education, targeting government accountability and democratic institutions.