Story perspectives

Protests Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar Resignation Over Revision Software

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 4:38 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Disputed Unanimous Decision

Opposition parties and protest groups demonstrated in Chennai and Delhi in mid-October 2026, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The Election Commission said all Special Intensive Revision decisions were unanimous, despite reports that two commissioners objected.
Gyanesh Kumar earns a INR2.5 lakh monthly salary, a INR34,000 allowance, an official residence and other benefits.
Delhi police deployed over 20,000 officers on 10 October 2026 during an attempted rally against the CEC.

Right

Roll Revision Exclusion

Opposition parties and protest groups demonstrated in Chennai and Delhi in mid-October 2026, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The BJP accused the opposition of using the protests to discredit the electoral process.
The Cockroach Janta Party and student groups said roll-revision excluded voters.
Shashi Tharoor said the commissioner has immunity but no safeguard, risking impeachment.
The Intensive Revision software blocked from reversing deletions, prompting Tharoor to demand suspension.

Blindspot

Official records show Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar draws a basic salary of INR2.5 lakh per month, a INR34,000 allowance, an official residence and additional benefits.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

India’s shift to electronic voting began with ECIL’s 1977 proposal, an amendment to the Representation of the People Act in 1988, and experimental use in 1998. The Election Commission deployed EVMs nationwide in the 2004 general election, covering all 543 Lok Sabha seats. A 2013 Supreme Court order introduced VVPATs, and today protests led by opposition parties echo the 1999 controversy over machine transparency.

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Disputed Unanimous Decision

Opposition parties and protest groups demonstrated in Chennai and Delhi in mid-October 2026, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The Election Commission said all Special Intensive Revision decisions were unanimous, despite reports that two commissioners objected.
Gyanesh Kumar earns a INR2.5 lakh monthly salary, a INR34,000 allowance, an official residence and other benefits.
Delhi police deployed over 20,000 officers on 10 October 2026 during an attempted rally against the CEC.

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