Youth Congress Protests, Delhi Police Halts March, Demand For CEC Resignation

A violent clash erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU), leading to arson, widespread damage to police vehicles, and the suspension of classes for ten days. Speaking on the situation, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) stated that the ground situation is under control, explaining that a clash between students and police personnel occurred following provocation near the university gate. The officer dismissed allegations that the police prolonged the unrest, maintaining that senior officials continuously engaged in negotiations while exercising maximum restraint. He further noted that authorities are examining video footage to identify the culprits and ascertain the presence of outside elements among the protesting crowd. Meanwhile, mid-term examinations have been disrupted, and students were seen packing their luggage and leaving the campus amid heavy police presence, including a flag march conducted to restore public order.

A political confrontation has emerged following allegations regarding discrepancies in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls along the Yamuna riverbank at Bella Estate. The controversy centres on the deletion of 727 names from an electoral register of 729 voters, leaving only one recorded elector following the revision exercise. Concerns were raised regarding whether residents of informal settlements and jhuggis were disqualified despite administrative provisions designating house number zero for homeless citizens. During interactions with the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the basis for removing established names from the voter roll was questioned, prompting administrative scrutiny over procedures followed during the drive. Meanwhile, counterarguments pointed to past election results and questioned allegations directed at the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission of India.

Congress and Indian Youth Congress workers staged nationwide protests targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the special intensive revision of the electoral roll. Demonstrations were held across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Patna, and Kashmir. In the national capital, Youth Congress workers marching towards the Election Commission headquarters were halted by police barricades and paramilitary personnel. Protesters carried placards reading 'Vote Chori Treason Hai', alleging match-fixing in the electoral process and demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's immediate resignation and imprisonment.

A political standoff has escalated between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the functioning of the Election Commission of India and calls demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Congress party launched protests across multiple cities, alleging match-fixing of elections and demanding that the CEC step down or turn approver. In response, BJP leaders, including Union Minister JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accused the Congress of blaming democratic institutions and electronic voting machines for repeated electoral defeats. The BJP countered the opposition's claims by pointing out that Congress leaders in Kerala had previously praised the Special Intensive Revision process following their electoral win in the state. BJP leaders also highlighted state election outcomes where opposition parties emerged victorious, urging the Congress to self-introspect rather than discredit constitutional bodies.