Understanding the nationwide protests againstthe Special Intensive Revision
A nationwide demonstration led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the People Against SIR platform highlights concerns over electoral roll deletions and the Election Commission.
Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.23 Oct 2026, 08:05 amUpdated 1h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
Understanding the nationwide protests against the Special Intensive Revision
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the People Against SIR platform are holding nationwide protests to demand the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and the restoration of deleted voting rights. These demonstrations are significant as they involve a coalition of farmers, trade unions, and civil society groups expressing grievances regarding the electoral process.
Simple details
The protests are scheduled for October 23, 2026.
Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Protests are happening at district, tehsil, and state capital levels.
Demands include the removal and prosecution of Gyanesh Kumar.
Demonstrators seek the restoration of deleted electoral roll entries.
What happened today
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the People Against SIR platform have called for protests across the country on October 23, 2026. These demonstrations are directed against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Organisers have stated that the protests will occur at district and tehsil headquarters, state capitals, and in Delhi. In the capital, the People Against SIR platform has planned a march toward the Election Commission’s office.
Ahead of these events, the Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory. They stated that there will be diversions from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Jantar Mantar.
Why these protests matter
These protests represent a collective effort by multiple groups to challenge the current management of electoral rolls. By demanding the removal and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the protesters are highlighting deep dissatisfaction with the administration of voting rights.
Various groups are affected by these developments and have joined the movement to show their support:
Farmers represented by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha.
Members of the People Against SIR platform.
Various trade unions across the country.
Civil society organisations supporting the march.
How we got here
The current unrest stems from concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Protesters claim that this process has led to the deletion of voters from electoral rolls, which they are now demanding be restored.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has taken the step of writing to President Droupadi Murmu regarding this issue. They allege that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has violated his constitutional pledge during his tenure.
Reality check
It is important to note that protests are a common democratic method for expressing dissent in India. However, they can lead to significant disruptions in daily life, especially for those commuting through major cities like Delhi.
While the protesters have clear demands, the process for removing a constitutional official like the Chief Election Commissioner is complex. It isn't a simple task, and it involves legal and constitutional procedures that don't happen overnight.
Who should buy and who should skip
Those who should pay attention to these developments include:
Citizens who are concerned about electoral roll accuracy.
Individuals living or working near protest sites in Delhi.
Political observers tracking the relationship between civil society and the Election Commission.
Those who might skip these updates include:
People living in regions unaffected by the protest march routes.
Those who aren't involved in the specific electoral roll revision process.
What happens next
As the situation develops, authorities and the public will be monitoring the impact of these nationwide demonstrations. The following points outline what to watch as the protests proceed:
The scale of participation across different state capitals and district headquarters.
Potential disruptions to movement in Delhi during the specified traffic diversion period.
Any official response from the Election Commission regarding the demands for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Local law enforcement agencies may continue to manage traffic and security to maintain order. Future developments could depend on how the government addresses the formal complaints submitted to the President.
Verdict
These protests signal a growing tension regarding the integrity of electoral rolls. If you're in Delhi, it's wise to check for traffic updates to avoid delays. The outcome remains uncertain, as it depends on the response from constitutional authorities to the protesters' formal grievances.
