India voter-roll row escalates as Delhi blocks fresh protest against election chief

NEW DELHI, October 16 — A fresh protest against India’s election chief was thwarted as authorities sealed off Central Park in central New Delhi ahead of a planned demonstration. The rally, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), aimed to remove the election chief over alleged voter roll revisions that allegedly disenfranchise millions.

The Election Commission of India, which oversees voting in the world's most populous nation, has denied any wrongdoing. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, undeterred by the possibility of arrest, urged supporters to rally at the capital’s Central Park. Delhi’s municipal authorities closed the park for two days citing administrative reasons, while the Delhi Police barred gatherings around Connaught Place, warning of legal action for violations.

With over 130 million names reportedly removed from electoral lists, critics claim the deletions disproportionately affect minorities, especially Muslims. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has accused Muslim migrants of fraudulently entering electoral rolls, a claim the government dismisses as an attempt to destabilize the country.