India’s election body faces growing protests

India’s election authorities are facing mounting pressure as protests grow over a nationwide revision of voter lists and allegations of misconduct within the country’s election commission.

The controversy intensified after reports alleged that key decisions related to the voter-roll revision may have been made without the approval of all three election commissioners. The Election Commission of India has rejected the allegations, insisting that its decisions were taken unanimously and in accordance with the law.

Opposition parties have accused the election authorities of removing legitimate voters from electoral rolls. They claim the exercise could disproportionately affect minority and marginalised communities and potentially benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The dispute centres on the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, an exercise aimed at identifying duplicate, fraudulent and otherwise ineligible registrations. Authorities have also said the process is intended to prevent undocumented foreign migrants from being included in electoral rolls.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the impact of the drive on vulnerable groups. The issue has become particularly sensitive because BJP leaders have repeatedly alleged that undocumented migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh have been illegally added to Indian voter lists.

More than 133 million names were reportedly left out of draft electoral rolls during the revision process. The figure represents around 15 per cent of India’s electorate. However, the final number of excluded voters is not yet known because affected individuals can submit claims and objections before the final lists are published.

The controversy has triggered demonstrations in several parts of India. Opposition groups have organised protests in New Delhi, while a youth-led movement has also mobilised supporters through social media. Student groups are expected to join further demonstrations in the capital.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained during recent protests, adding to tensions between the opposition and authorities. Protest organisers have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and vowed to increase pressure on the election body.

Kumar, a former civil servant, became chief election commissioner in February 2025 and is scheduled to remain in the position until January 2029. He has also faced scrutiny over separate allegations dating back to his earlier career, which are now being examined by authorities in Kerala.

The dispute has also reached India’s Supreme Court. The court has sought explanations from the government and election authorities over aspects of the voter-list revision. It previously allowed the nationwide exercise to continue while stressing the need for safeguards to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded.

The court is expected to hear the matter again next week, as protests and political pressure continue to build around the controversial voter-roll revision.