D. Raja slams protest curbs ahead of Oct 10 Jantar Mantar rally
Synopsis
With metro services disrupted at 56 stations and trains cancelled ahead of the October 10 Jantar Mantar rally, CPI General Secretary D. Raja has called the government's crackdown 'highly condemnable' — as the INDIA bloc gears up for a fresh round of protests over alleged electoral roll manipulation and demands the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
Key Takeaways
CPI General Secretary D.
Raja on 9 October condemned government measures to restrict protests, calling them 'very unfair' and 'highly condemnable.' Reports indicate train cancellations at two Delhi railway stations and disruptions at 56 metro stations ahead of the October 10 Jantar Mantar protest.
The INDIA bloc meeting is scheduled for 3 pm Friday at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan to discuss next steps.
Opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The INDIA bloc has sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu ; leaders warn of further escalation if denied.
The October 10 rally would mark the fourth consecutive day of protests on the electoral roll issue.
Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D. Raja on Friday, 9 October sharply criticised the government's steps to curtail demonstrations ahead of the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, calling them 'very unfair' and 'highly condemnable.' His remarks come as reports emerged of train cancellations at two Delhi railway stations and disruptions at 56 metro stations ahead of the planned Opposition rally.
What D. Raja Said
'I know that it is very unfair. The way the government is taking steps to prevent or disrupt protests is highly condemnable, highly condemnable. They are going to close all metro stations. They are not allowing people to walk on the streets, and extra forces are being deployed everywhere to terrorise people and prevent them from coming,' Raja said.
Despite the restrictions, he expressed confidence that citizens would find a way to participate. 'So, people are people, they know how to face all of this,' he added.
INDIA Bloc Meeting Scheduled for Friday
Raja also confirmed he would attend an INDIA bloc meeting at 3 pm on Friday at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, where Opposition leaders are expected to chart their next course of action against alleged electoral irregularities. 'Our party will participate in the meeting. I will attend it myself. We will discuss what steps the INDIA bloc parties can take and the timing and number of people who will meet the President. All these issues will be discussed,' he said.
According to sources, the meeting could trigger a fresh round of demonstrations, with the Opposition describing the alleged irregularities as 'vote chori.'
Background: Electoral Roll Dispute and CEC Resignation Demand
The protests are rooted in escalating tensions between Opposition parties and the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the process. The October 10 demonstration would mark the fourth consecutive day of such protests.
Delegation to Meet President
The INDIA bloc has also sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to formally raise concerns over the electoral process. Opposition leaders have indicated they may explore other avenues to press their demands if the appointment is not granted. This is the latest in a series of escalatory moves as the bloc attempts to keep pressure on the government and the election body.
Point of View
Framed around the SIR process, is a high-stakes gamble: if the bloc cannot sustain momentum beyond optics, the narrative will fade. But if the government's crowd-control measures are seen as disproportionate, they hand the Opposition exactly the kind of legitimising grievance it needs. The missing piece in mainstream coverage is accountability for the SIR process itself — independent scrutiny of whether the electoral roll revision actually contains the irregularities alleged, or whether this is primarily an exercise in political mobilisation.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Opposition protesting at Jantar Mantar on October 10?
Opposition parties, led by the INDIA bloc, are protesting against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The October 10 rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is the fourth consecutive day of such demonstrations.
What restrictions have been put in place ahead of the October 10 protest?
According to reports, services at 56 metro stations have been disrupted and trains at two Delhi railway stations have been cancelled ahead of the planned rally. CPI General Secretary D. Raja also alleged that extra security forces have been deployed across the city.
What is the INDIA bloc planning after the October 10 protest?
The INDIA bloc held a meeting at 3 pm on Friday, 9 October, at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan to decide their next steps, including the timing and size of a delegation to meet President Droupadi Murmu. Leaders have indicated they may explore further options if the President does not grant them an appointment.
Who is Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and why is he under pressure?
Gyanesh Kumar is India's Chief Election Commissioner, heading the Election Commission of India (ECI). Opposition parties have demanded his resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they allege contains irregularities amounting to what they have called 'vote chori' (vote theft).
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India to update and verify voter rolls. The Opposition has alleged that the current round of SIR contains irregularities that could disenfranchise eligible voters, forming the core grievance behind the ongoing protests.
