Delhi Police detain several protesters during ‘people against SIR’ march

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 23, 2026: Delhi Police detained several protesters on Friday during the ‘People Against SIR’ march organised to oppose the alleged deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in several states.

The march was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, a people’s collective, from central Delhi towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters. It began near Gole Dak Khana, at the intersection of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg.

The Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) extended their support to the protest, which saw participation from activists from Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.

Security was tightened near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, with Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed in large numbers ahead of the march.

The organisers had appealed to farmers, workers, youth, women and people from various sections of society to participate in the march carrying the national flag. They said the demonstration would remain peaceful and disciplined. The organisers also planned to hold a ‘People’s Parliament’ wherever the police stopped the march, followed by the adoption of resolutions and the singing of the national anthem.

The SFI also called for solidarity protests in central Delhi and at district headquarters on Friday.

Traffic Diversions in Central Delhi

Traffic diversions were imposed in parts of central Delhi in view of the protest. The Delhi Traffic Police said the restrictions would remain in force from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Commuters were likely to face congestion and delays around Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Connaught Place, Parliament Street and Jantar Mantar.

The traffic police advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas, plan their journeys in advance, use alternative routes and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel.

Opposition Targets CEC Over SIR

Opposition parties and other organisations have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the SIR process and accusing him of favouring the BJP during elections.

The controversy intensified following a report by The Indian Express that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had, on at least 14 occasions over the past 10 months, raised objections on record to SIR-related decisions and orders that they said were issued without their knowledge or recommendation.