Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kuldeep Kumar has alleged that Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel arrived at his residence and office in an apparent attempt to arrest him ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
Kumar made the allegation through a post on X on Wednesday. He claimed that a large contingent of security personnel had reached his home and office and alleged that the purpose was to prevent him from participating in the October 10 demonstration.
The AAP leader said he would not be deterred from taking part in the protest. He also criticised the action that he alleged had been taken against him and said that police measures would not stop the planned political campaign.
The planned October 10 protest is linked to the continuing political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the revision process and have alleged that eligible voters could be affected by changes to electoral rolls.
The Election Commission and the ruling side have rejected the opposition’s allegations regarding the electoral process. The dispute has nevertheless continued to intensify, with opposition parties organising protests and demanding greater accountability from the Election Commission.
The latest development involving Kuldeep Kumar comes after a series of protests in Delhi over the electoral roll revision. Jantar Mantar has emerged as an important location for demonstrations related to the issue. Opposition leaders and political groups have sought to draw public attention to what they describe as concerns about the electoral registration process.
On October 7, opposition leaders and MPs also gathered in Delhi as part of their campaign against the Election Commission. According to reports, INDIA bloc MPs were stopped by Delhi Police, while Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained during the protest activity. Opposition leaders subsequently indicated that their campaign would continue.
The controversy has centred particularly on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition parties have demanded his resignation, linking their demand to allegations concerning the electoral roll revision and what they describe as irregularities in the electoral process.
Congress has also announced a nationwide campaign under the slogan Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao. The party has said its campaign will focus on allegations of irregularities and what it calls concerns over the electoral system. The opposition has said its protests will continue until its demands are addressed.
Separately, a nationwide protest has also been announced for October 10 at Jantar Mantar. Organisers have said the demonstration will focus on the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The proposed event has added to the political activity surrounding the SIR issue.
Delhi Police have also been increasing security arrangements ahead of protests in the capital. Authorities have reiterated rules governing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, including requirements relating to prior permission and restrictions on the size of gatherings. Reports said police were stepping up security and monitoring ahead of the October 10 demonstration.
The police preparations come against the backdrop of previous attempts by political groups and other organisations to gather in central Delhi over the electoral roll issue. Earlier protests resulted in significant police deployment, barricading and detentions as authorities sought to control access to protest locations.
Kumar’s allegation regarding an attempted arrest has not, by itself, established that an arrest order was issued against him or that police intended to prevent him from attending the October 10 demonstration. His statement represents his account of the incident and should be distinguished from independently verified facts.
The political dispute over SIR has become increasingly prominent as opposition parties seek to highlight concerns about voter registration and electoral rolls. Supporters of the revision process, however, maintain that electoral roll revision is intended to improve the accuracy of voter lists and remove duplicate or otherwise ineligible entries. The Election Commission and the ruling party have rejected accusations of political bias.
For the AAP, Kuldeep Kumar’s allegation adds another point of confrontation with the authorities ahead of the October 10 protest. The MLA has indicated that he intends to continue participating in the opposition campaign despite what he describes as pressure from the police.
The October 10 demonstration is therefore expected to take place amid heightened political tensions over the electoral roll revision. Security arrangements, protest permissions and the participation of opposition leaders are likely to remain closely watched as the date approaches.
The wider dispute reflects the growing political divide over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. While opposition parties continue to raise concerns and demand action against the Election Commission, authorities maintain that security and electoral procedures must be followed.
As of October 8, Kuldeep Kumar’s allegation remains an allegation made by the AAP MLA. Any official explanation from Delhi Police regarding the reported presence of personnel at his residence or office would provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
