CPI forms human chain in Delhi demanding resignation of CEC and recall of SIR

CPI general secretary D. Raja and party supporters take part in a human chain protest in New Delhi on October 27, 2026, in connection with the Special Intensive Review. | Photo credit: ANI

The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) organized a human chain from its party headquarters Ajoy Bhawan to the ITO in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to disenfranchisement of citizens.

Addressing the rally, CPI general secretary D Raja said Mr Kumar had “lost the confidence of the people” and that his continuation as Chief Election Commissioner posed a threat to the credibility of the electoral process. The party demanded the immediate cancellation of the nationwide SIR exercise.

He also criticized the designation of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and called for its reopening. The party said the move curbed democratic dissent and reflected growing intolerance of popular movements and protests.

In its statement, the CPI argued that democracy cannot function effectively if citizens are denied their voting rights as well as their right to protest. It said the Election Commission was facing a crisis of credibility and reiterated its demands for the withdrawal of the SIR, the reopening of Jantar Mantar and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Among those who participated in the protest were CPI National Secretariat members Amarjeet Kaur, P. Sandosh Kumar, Rama Krushna Panda, Girish Sharma, Annie Raja, K. Prakash Babu and K. Ramakrishna, CPI MP PP Suneer, CPI Delhi Secretary Dinesh Varshney, National Federation of Indian Women President Kidhu Sabgars, Nisha All Indian General Secretary Kshisan Saburs and representatives of other CPI-affiliated organizations.

The party appealed to political parties, civil society groups and citizens to intensify protests against what it described as vote chori (theft) and to push for a transparent, independent and accountable electoral commission.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 17:44 IST