CPM Gen Secy MA Baby detained in Delhi during Left parties’ protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

New Delhi: CPM General Secretary MA Baby was detained on Tuesday during a protest by Left parties outside the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Left parties demand CEC’s removal

The protest was part of a week-long campaign announced by five Left parties- CPM, CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc- from September 26 to October 2.

The parties have demanded Kumar’s removal and an immediate halt to the SIR exercise, alleging that the revision could affect citizens’ voting rights.
Also read | SIR question gets bigger: EC says no nationwide decision was taken in 2025

Brinda Karat calls for changes

CPI leader Brinda Karat, who joined the protest, called for the CEC’s removal and changes to the rules governing the Election Commission.

“CEC has to be either sacked or he has to resign. He won’t resign though, so he needs to be removed. SIR has to be stopped immediately,” Karat said.

Left parties plan nationwide protests

CPM leader Subhashini Ali said the Left parties had decided to organise demonstrations across the country against the SIR exercise and what they described as an infringement of fundamental rights.

She said the protests would continue and called for the protection of citizens’ right to vote.
Also read | “Shocking situation”: Shashi Tharoor alleges voters’ rights being denied amid SIR Row

SIR row intensifies

The protest comes amid an escalating political dispute over the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission. Opposition parties have raised concerns about electoral-roll revisions and the possibility of eligible voters being excluded, while the ECI has maintained that the exercise is aimed at ensuring accurate electoral rolls and enabling eligible voters to participate.

The Left parties have also sought wider coordination with opposition groups and civil society organisations over the issue. Opposition parties are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on September 30 to discuss a joint response to the Election Commission and the SIR controversy.

ANI