Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Delhi tightens security as opposition intensifies pressure on election chief
Security has been heightened across India's capital as protesters continue daily demonstrations demanding the resignation of the country's chief election commissioner. The rallies centre on allegations that recent voter list revisions unfairly benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP.
LSN Malaysia ·
New Delhi has bolstered security measures amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations that have maintained momentum in recent weeks. The protests, dubbed the 'cockroach' movement by organisers, are targeting the Election Commission of India and its chief, with demonstrators calling for his removal over disputed changes to voter registration lists.
Critics contend that the revisions to electoral rolls disproportionately favour Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of upcoming elections. The near-daily rallies have grown in scale, prompting authorities to deploy additional security personnel across key areas of the capital to manage crowds and maintain order.
The Election Commission has defended its voter list modifications as routine administrative procedures aimed at accuracy and removing duplicate registrations. However, opposition parties and civil society groups maintain that the changes could affect electoral outcomes by altering demographic compositions in key constituencies.
The demonstrations reflect broader concerns within India's opposition about the integrity of the electoral process. Security officials have indicated that heightened measures will remain in place for the duration of the protest movement.