Opposition and journalists claim police used force during Delhi protests

New Delhi saw a massive police deployment for a third consecutive day, with heavy metal barricades erected and six major metro stations shut as authorities prepared for a new rally organized by Rahul Gandhi. The protests stem from accusations that a nationwide voter-roll cleanup, which removed over 133 million names, favours Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, a claim denied by the Election Commission of India. Over the weekend, thousands of participants, including leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party, were detained, though most have since been released.

Opposition members allege the detentions aim to silence dissent, and MP John Brittas of the CPI(M) said he was dragged and assaulted by police. Reporters Without Borders reported at least 16 journalists were held despite displaying press cards. The opposition plans to march to the Supreme Court to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.