Protest in Bengaluru against SIR; demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and return to paper ballots

Bengaluru: Civil society groups, student organisations, activists and digital influencers gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Thursday to protest the special intensive revision, alleging that the exercise could lead to large-scale voter disenfranchisement in Karnataka.

The protesters demanded withdrawal of the revision drive, resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and a return to paper ballots. Organisers argued that the ongoing verification process lacks transparency and risks excluding genuine voters from the electoral rolls ahead of future elections.

The agitation saw participation of young and first-time voters. Among those present were YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, actor-activist Prakash Raj, political commentator Parakala Prabhakar, Kannada writer Devanuru Mahadeva and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.