Security Tightened for CEC Gyanesh Kumar Amid SIR Protests in Delhi
Additional personnel deployed at CEC’s residence and Election Commission office as Opposition protests intensify
New Delhi: Security arrangements for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have been strengthened amid ongoing protests by Opposition parties and civil society groups over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
According to officials, additional Central Industrial Security Force personnel have been deployed at Kumar’s residence in New Moti Bagh, at the Election Commission office and as part of his personal security arrangements. The additional deployment was made in view of the prevailing security situation and fresh threat assessments.
Officials clarified that Kumar’s existing Z Plus security category has not been upgraded. Instead, additional reserve personnel have been mobilised to reinforce the existing security cover whenever required.
The heightened security comes amid protests by Opposition leaders, including Congress and INDIA bloc members, who have been demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR process. The allegations have been rejected by the Election Commission, which has maintained that its decisions follow the applicable legal and statutory procedures.
Security has also been increased around the Election Commission headquarters in central Delhi. Officials said personnel from the CISF, Rapid Action Force, CRPF and Delhi Police have been deployed around the premises as protests continue in the national capital.
The Delhi Police has also increased deployment in areas where demonstrations are taking place. The Ministry of Home Affairs has made 221 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, comprising around 23,000 personnel, available to Delhi Police from October 8 to 12 to assist with maintaining law and order and protecting key government installations.
The Opposition has continued its protests against the SIR exercise and is demanding greater scrutiny of the electoral roll revision process. The Election Commission and the BJP have denied allegations of electoral manipulation.