New Delhi, Oct 10 (KNS): The opposition INDIA bloc is set to stage a massive protest in New Delhi on Monday against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, amid continuing police action against opposition leaders and activists in the national capital.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, citing sources, the opposition alliance is preparing for a major demonstration following Saturday's protests against the Election Commission and demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has decided to extend her stay in New Delhi and participate in Monday's demonstration, cancelling her scheduled return to Kolkata.

Banerjee was reportedly detained on Saturday afternoon after staging a dharna near the South Avenue bus stand in the national capital.

The police action also saw the reported detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal after he stepped out to participate in the protest over the CEC controversy.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was also reportedly detained ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar, while YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was taken into custody from his residence in Gurugram, according to the report.

The developments came as security was tightened across the national capital, with restrictions affecting access to 45 Delhi Metro stations amid protests and police deployments.

The controversy centres on the SIR exercise, which opposition parties allege has resulted in irregularities in electoral rolls. The allegations have intensified demands for accountability from the Election Commission and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of electoral manipulation and maintained that the revision exercise is being conducted in accordance with established procedures.

The INDIA bloc's proposed demonstration on Monday is expected to bring several opposition parties together as the political confrontation over the electoral roll revision exercise continues. (KNS)