India Election Crisis: Opposition Demands Poll Chief Resign as Voter Rolls Scandal Erupts

Opposition activists in India have protested for a third consecutive day, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner following allegations that a large-scale revision of voter rolls has removed millions of voters' names. The protests, which began earlier this week, have intensified pressure on the election body ahead of a critical Supreme Court hearing scheduled to address the controversy.

The opposition claims that the voter roll revision, purportedly aimed at cleaning up electoral lists, has disproportionately affected minority and low-income communities, potentially disenfranchising millions. According to opposition leaders, the deletions were carried out without proper verification, raising fears of manipulation ahead of upcoming elections. The Election Commission has defended its actions, stating that the revisions were necessary to eliminate duplicate and deceased entries, but has not yet commented on the protests.

The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the voter roll revisions, with opposition parties seeking a stay on the process and an independent audit. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for India's democratic credibility, with international observers closely monitoring the situation. As protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address concerns and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.