Over 2,000 protesters have converged at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park for a high-profile demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The October 8, 2026, mobilisation features actor Prakash Raj, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, who are demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Citizens Gather at Freedom Park for Voter List Tribunal
Over 2,000 people converged on Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on Thursday morning for a People’s Tribunal on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, carrying placards with slogans such as Error 404 – Name Not Found
and Grand Theft Democracy
(The South First). Evidence and individual cases emerging from the electoral roll revision are being brought before the public, giving affected individuals an opportunity to testify as civil society groups from across Karnataka organise the event to raise concerns over the exercise.
Mujibur Rehman, a Bengaluru-based software engineer who told the gathering that his name had been deleted without his knowledge (Rediff), testified at the morning programme which began at 10:30 am. It is our democratic right. We have been robbed of our right to vote. We have to be together to save democracy, because I have lost my own vote,
Rehman said, adding that he had no knowledge of who submitted the Form-7 application seeking the deletion of his name (Rediff). A helpline, 96060 87560, has been opened for affected voters to contact the organisers.
Prakash Raj and Dhruv Rathee Join Abhijeet Dipke Against Chief Election Commissioner
Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukkumar noted that 91,278 Form 7 applications were received between June 16 and October 4, prompting inquiries into false declarations and bulk applications, as the demonstration brought together actor and activist Prakash Raj, political commentator Dhruv Rathee, and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke. Rathee addressed the crowd to clarify the scope of the mobilisation (Hindustan Times) in his first appearance in Bengaluru for the movement.
This is my first protest. When I landed yesterday, I saw that social media posts were going viral saying Dhruv Rathee is coming to change the regime. I have not come here for regime change.
Dhruv Rathee, YouTuber and political commentator, via The Wire
Prakash Raj delivered a sharp critique of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the election watchdog was acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah (The South First). Rathee criticized election administration figures, pointing to revisions across various states and questioning transparency (The Wire).
Our fight is not just about the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. If he goes, someone else will come. We want SIR scrapped. Then Gyanesh Kumar should be investigated, and a case should be filed against him.
Prakash Raj, actor and activist, via The South First
CJP Leaders Detail National Grievances Before Delhi Protests
CJP co-convener Saurav Das told attendees that 13 crore names had been deleted from electoral rolls across the country (The Economic Times) after CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke linked the electoral roll revision to political trends, leading protesters in raising the slogan Narendra Modi Vote Chor
(Mathrubhumi English). Dipke also alleged that Maharashtra Police attempted to prevent youth volunteers from attending the proposed protest.
Organisers have outlined three core demands for their nationwide campaign: the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, that he be booked under criminal charges and the SIR be stopped, and an independent and neutral process for the appointment of Election Commissioners (The Logical Indian). Following the tribunal and a planned chappal protest in Bengaluru, the alliance is preparing for a larger demonstration scheduled at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on October 10 (The Economic Times).