New Delhi: Security arrangements for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have been strengthened amid intensifying protests by the Congress and INDIA bloc over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Kumar already has Z+ security, and additional personnel have now been deployed around his residence, the Election Commission headquarters and for his personal protection.
The enhanced security follows demonstrations near Kumar’s Delhi residence and a protest outside his family home in Agra. Authorities have reassessed the security situation as Opposition parties continue to demand his resignation over their allegations concerning the voter roll revision exercise.
Security at Nirvachan Sadan on Ashoka Road has also been reinforced. CISF personnel inside the complex have been increased, while additional forces including the CRPF, Rapid Action Force and Delhi Police have been deployed outside amid regular demonstrations.
The political confrontation has intensified in Delhi, with Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders continuing street protests. Several Opposition leaders and lawmakers were detained during demonstrations on October 6 and 7 as police moved to clear protest sites.
The protests followed reports of disagreements within the Election Commission over aspects of the SIR process. Opposition parties have cited these differences while questioning the functioning of the poll panel. The Election Commission, however, has maintained that differing views are part of institutional deliberations and that its orders follow established legal procedures.
The heightened security comes as further demonstrations are planned in Delhi. Authorities have also deployed thousands of Central Armed Police Forces personnel across the capital between October 8 and 12 to assist Delhi Police with security and crowd management.
The dispute over the SIR exercise has therefore moved beyond a political disagreement, with intensified protests now accompanied by tighter security around the country’s top election official and the institution he heads.
