India deploys police, restricts transport ahead of major protest
Summary
India deployed thousands of police and restricted transport in New Delhi ahead of mass protests demanding the resignation of election chief Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-roll irregularities. Opposition parties say the voter list revision could disenfranchise voters and benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP.
Key Points
- Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in Delhi, with transport restrictions and station closures ahead of Saturday's demonstrations.
- The youth-led Cockroach Janata Party is leading protests demanding Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar resign over alleged voter-roll misconduct.
- Critics say the nationwide voter-roll revision could disenfranchise voters, especially in marginalized and minority communities, while the Election Commission says it is removing duplicate and ineligible voters.
- The Supreme Court said some trains must continue running and there should be no blanket closure of metro stations.
