Mass protests have shaken India for a third consecutive day, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the election commission chief over a voter-roll revision they say removed millions of eligible voters.
Key facts
- Protests have continued for a third straight day in India.
- Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the country's poll chief.
- Protesters say the election commission's voter-roll revision removed millions of eligible voters.
- Demonstrators allege the revision was designed to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mass protests demanding the resignation of India’s election commission chief have continued for a third consecutive day, according to Al Jazeera. The demonstrations have swept across the country as anger builds over a revision to the national voter rolls.
At the center of the dispute is the election commission’s voter-roll revision, which protesters say has removed millions of eligible voters from the lists. Demonstrators argue that the scale of the removals has undermined the integrity of the electoral process.
Protesters allege that the revision was carried out to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Al Jazeera. The claim has fueled sustained street demonstrations and calls for accountability at the top of the electoral body.
The central demand of the protests is the resignation of the poll chief, with demonstrators holding the election commission responsible for the changes to the voter rolls. The movement has shown no sign of easing as it entered its third day.
The sources available do not detail the specific cities affected, the number of participants, or any official response from the election commission or the government.
Why it matters
Voter rolls are the foundation of any democratic election, and allegations that millions of eligible voters were removed strike at public confidence in the process. In the world's largest democracy, disputes over electoral fairness can carry significant political consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Why are people protesting in India?
Protesters say the election commission's voter-roll revision removed millions of eligible voters from the lists, and they are demanding the resignation of the country's poll chief, according to Al Jazeera.
How long have the protests lasted?
According to Al Jazeera, the protests have continued for a third consecutive day.
What do protesters allege about the voter-roll revision?
Demonstrators allege the revision was carried out to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Al Jazeera.