Delhi Police’s Crackdown on October 10 Protest Is an Assault on Democratic Rights

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) strongly condemns the Delhi Police crackdown on the peaceful protest demanding electoral accountability and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Restricting public movement, detaining protesters and curtailing the right to peaceful assembly evoke disturbing memories of the Emergency. Democracy cannot survive when citizens demanding transparency are treated as a threat.

The SDPI demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, repeal of the Election Commissioners Act, 2023, an independent investigation into alleged SIR irregularities, and cancellation of unlawful SIR procedures. Elections materially compromised by unlawful electoral roll procedures must be annulled and held afresh wherever legally warranted.

The Election Commission must be independent, transparent and accountable. Voting rights cannot be compromised, democratic dissent cannot be suppressed, and no constitutional authority is above public accountability.

MK Faizy
National President