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Student groups stage protest demanding Election Commission chief's removal

Youth organisations attempted a march to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday to demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, citing concerns over institutional politicisation. Police detained several protesters during the demonstration.

LSN India · 19 October 2026

Student groups stage protest demanding Election Commission chief's removal

Student groups and youth organisations staged a protest march towards Jantar Mantar, one of Delhi's prominent demonstration sites, to press demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation. The protesters alleged that the Election Commission has been compromised by political interference, undermining its constitutional mandate to conduct free and fair elections.

According to organisers, multiple youth wings participated in the demonstration, including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). The march was intercepted by police, who detained several participants before they could reach their intended destination.

NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar stated that the student body remains committed to its democratic struggle against what he described as the politicisation of the Election Commission. "We will continue our democratic struggle against the politicisation of the Election Commission," Jakhar said, emphasising the movement's resolve to persist with peaceful agitation.

The protest reflects growing concerns among opposition-aligned youth organisations regarding the autonomy and impartiality of India's principal electoral body. The Election Commission has faced increasing scrutiny from various quarters over its handling of recent political developments and enforcement of electoral regulations.