CPI(M) Protests in Shimla Over Electoral Roll Revisions

CITU state president Vijendra Mehra spearheaded the demonstration, alleging that the Election Commission has become an instrument of the Modi government. He claimed that the ongoing revision process has resulted in the deletion of over 13 crore names from electoral rolls, effectively creating a divide between those permitted to vote and those stripped of their constitutional rights. Mehra pointed to internal friction within the poll panel, citing reports of disagreements between Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and his colleagues regarding meeting agendas and procedural autonomy.

Adding to the criticism, CPI(M) leader Falma Chauhan stated that the revision exercise, which began in June 2025, has disproportionately targeted vulnerable groups, including women, migrants, Dalits, and tribal communities. She alleged that the commission is utilizing information technology and Form 7 to systematically prune voter lists to benefit a specific political party. The protesters demanded the immediate removal of Gyanesh Kumar, the restoration of deleted names, and a return to institutional independence for the Election Commission to ensure future elections remain free and fair.