Shock, anger and a crackdown: why a contentious electoral revision has sparked outrage
Marches in Delhi against changes to voting registration led to dragnets, internet blackouts – and questions about India’s electoral independence. Plus, the cinematographer capturing the beauty of the mundane
TL;DR
- Massive protests have occurred in India against the removal of 130 million people from the electoral register due to a controversial revision process.
- Authorities in Delhi implemented a stringent crackdown, canceling trains, closing metro stations, and detaining activists and opposition leaders.
- The controversy centers on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, with critics alleging it's designed to benefit the ruling party and undermine democratic principles.
- Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa described the SIR process as unprecedented and unfair, departing from the ECI's tradition of voter inclusion.
- Political activist Yogendra Yadav views the SIR controversy as evidence of democratic capture by the ruling party, emphasizing the importance of elections for regime legitimacy.
- Despite the crackdown, protests continue, with opposition parties and student groups vowing to persist in their demands.