Delhi SIR Protest 2026 : Members of several organisations took to the streets in Delhi to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstrators were marching towards the headquarters of the Election Commission of India (ECI), where police detained several people. Protesters raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the suspension of the SIR process. The march began near Gole Dak Khana at the intersection of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg. Police blocked roads leading towards the Election Commission headquarters, prompting protesters to gather in nearby areas and continue raising slogans.

Police Cite Restrictions on Protest Permission
According to the police, protesters were asked to end their demonstration after gathering near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Gurudwara Rakab Ganj. Police said permission for the protest had been granted only until 2 pm. Several people were detained when the demonstration continued beyond the permitted time. Police personnel at the site placed protesters on buses and removed them from the area. Demonstrators raised concerns over the alleged deletion of names from electoral rolls and demanded that their objections to the SIR process be heard. However, the allegations concerning voter deletions and the legality of the process require consideration alongside official information and responses from the authorities concerned.

Opposition Accuses Government of Interference
Congress general secretary in charge of organisation K.C. Venugopal told news agency ANI that a major INDIA alliance rally was scheduled to take place at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. He claimed that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) process had reinforced the opposition’s concerns about alleged government interference in the Election Commission’s functioning. According to Venugopal, some responses to letters sent by the Election Commission to the Cabinet Secretary reportedly included remarks indicating that no action had been taken. He linked the issue to the knowledge of the Prime Minister and Home Minister. These allegations were made by the Congress leader, and independent verification, along with the full context of the relevant documents, remains important.



Brinda Karat and Yogendra Yadav Voice Concerns
Left leader Brinda Karat, who participated in the protest, alleged that votes were being stolen in the country. She said the government should listen to the concerns of the opposition and protesters rather than accuse them. Referring to the situation surrounding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, Karat said voices of dissent could not be suppressed. Social activist Yogendra Yadav also criticised the government. He said that if there was evidence of foreign funding being used in the movement, the government should investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Both leaders raised questions about the SIR process and issues concerning electoral rolls.

Protesters Warn of Intensifying Their Movement
CPI leader P. Santosh, who participated in the demonstration against SIR, said the movement would be intensified further. He also reiterated the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Protesters raised slogans such as “Stop SIR” and “We will not tolerate vote theft.” Some leaders expressed concern over the alleged deletion of names from electoral rolls, while police cited law-and-order considerations and the conditions of protest permission to justify their action. Political tensions over the issue appear to be growing. Further developments will depend on how the Election Commission and other relevant authorities respond to the concerns raised and how protesters choose to continue their campaign.