Youth organizations attempt to march to Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of CEC; several detained

Security personnel detained a National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) activist during the ‘Ungli Toh Uthegi-Hallabol March’ from his headquarters to Jantar Mantar to stage a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. | Photo credit: PTI

Several youth organisations, including the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), attempted to march to Jantar Mantar on Sunday (October 18, 2026) demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

NSUI organized ‘Ungli Toh Uthegi – Hallabol March’ from its headquarters on Raisina Road towards Jantar Mantar. Police and paramilitary forces stopped them after a few meters and many of them were detained.

CEC LIVE protest update October 18, 2026

The organization expressed concern over the functioning of the Election Commission, demanding accountability from the CEC, saying that democratic institutions must remain independent, impartial and accountable to the people of the country.

“We will continue our democratic struggle against the politicization of the Election Commission. The raised finger symbolizes the power of each voter and the democratic right of citizens to ask questions to those entrusted with the security of elections,” said its national president Vinod Jakhar. He also demanded that the NSUI be allowed to hold protests at Jantar Mantar, saying that peaceful democratic dissent must have space in a democracy.

The Revolutionary Workers Party of India (RWPI) and the Disha Students Organization also tried to march towards Jantar Mantar from Connaught Place but were immediately held back. “The issue of reclaiming Jantar Mantar has become a linchpin of the entire anti-SIR movement. The other three places are ineffective for our cause. Ramlila Maidan is paid and is free only for three days a year. The other two are on the outskirts of the city where our demands will go down the drain,” said Naureen of student organization Disha.

“We want abolition of SIR, re-election in SIR-affected states and repeal of CEC appointment Act 2023,” said Ashish Kumar of RWPI.

Published – 18 Oct 2026 22:03 IST