India’s youth-led “Cockroach” movement has threatened nationwide protests if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign within 48 hours. The announcement followed reports about disagreements within the Election Commission over voter-list changes.
The Indian Express reported that two election commissioners raised questions or concerns at least 14 times in 10 months. Most concerns reportedly involved the process of updating voter lists that began last year.
Election Panel Faces Fresh Political Pressure
The report triggered fresh criticism from opposition parties, which have accused the Election Commission of bias. The commission has rejected those allegations and said internal differences are normal during institutional decision-making.
Meanwhile, India’s main opposition Congress Party announced protest marches at state election offices across the country. The party plans to demand Kumar’s removal, arrest, and an independent review of decisions made under his leadership.
The election commission has maintained that its actions remain lawful. It also said disagreements between election commissioners form a normal part of institutional deliberations.
Youth Movement Issues Resignation Deadline
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, announced the 48-hour deadline during a Thursday press conference. He said the movement would begin nationwide agitation if Kumar refused to resign.
The movement previously led youth demonstrations over alleged examination paper leaks. Those protests ended after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted several demands.
Opposition parties have also raised concerns about voter deletions and additions, alleging that changes could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP. The BJP has defended the election panel and rejected allegations that it operates with political bias.
The latest dispute has therefore renewed debate over the independence of India’s election administration.
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