CJP and Activists Accuse Modi Government of Suppressing Protests and Voters’ Rights
At a press conference in New Delhi, student groups, lawyers and social activists criticise the Election Commission over voter list revisions and the alleged use of police force against protesters.
New Delhi: Student organisations, prominent lawyers and social activists have strongly criticised the Narendra Modi government and the Election Commission of India at a joint press conference held at the Press Club of India in New Delhi.
Representatives of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleged that government machinery was being used to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They also claimed that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was threatening the voting rights of millions of citizens.
Speakers condemned what they described as excessive police action against recent demonstrations in Delhi. They alleged that train cancellations, metro station closures and preventive detentions of activists were used to obstruct people from participating in protests.
The participants also claimed that nearly 130 million names had been removed from voter lists, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities, minorities and women. These figures and allegations were presented by the speakers at the press conference.
Concerns Over Voter List Revisions
Social activist Anjali Bharadwaj highlighted concerns about the documents being demanded during the electoral roll revision process.
Referring to figures from Delhi and other states, she argued that the requirements could disadvantage women and people from economically and socially marginalised communities who may not possess the requested documents.
According to Bharadwaj, such requirements risk excluding eligible citizens from electoral rolls and undermining their fundamental right to vote.
Prashant Bhushan Defends the Right to Protest
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan emphasised that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and that demanding a change of government through democratic means is not illegal.
He said the movement was being led by students and young people, while political and social groups were extending their support to efforts to protect the Constitution and democratic institutions.
Actor and social activist Prakash Raj also criticised the government’s approach to dissent. Using a sarcastic remark, he suggested that a leadership which presents itself as fearless now appears unsettled by the voices of students, young people and ordinary citizens participating in protests.
Student Groups Raise Concerns Over Campus Discrimination
Representatives of student organisations also expressed solidarity with the parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode, who were reportedly sitting on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan following his death by suicide.
The participants condemned alleged discrimination against Dalit students and members of other disadvantaged communities in educational institutions. They called for greater accountability and equal treatment within campuses.
The press conference brought together several organisations and public figures who described their campaign as a collective effort to defend constitutional rights, electoral transparency and social equality.
The speakers maintained that police action, arrests and restrictions would not silence their demands for democratic accountability and equal rights.