On October 10, 2026, protesters gathered in central Delhi to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and to oppose the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police barricades and widespread detentions prevented many demonstrators from reaching the planned protest site at Jantar Mantar.
According to news reports, around 250 protesters, including students and youth activists, took shelter in Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib, with some remaining there overnight. When police personnel moved into the gurdwara premises to detain protesters, the incident triggered controversy over the sanctity of the Sikh place of worship. Gurdwara representatives maintained that unarmed people seeking refuge could not simply be turned away, reflecting the Sikh principles of sharan—giving shelter—and sewa—selfless service.
Although accounts differed about the circumstances surrounding the police entry, the episode drew widespread attention and praise for the gurdwara’s long-standing tradition of providing food, safety, and refuge to people in need.
The heavy security presence and the threat of detention made protesters reluctant to leave the gurdwara. Whenever security personnel moved away, however, many emerged carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Gyanesh Kumar istifa do,” calling for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
“We have no other option. If we go outside, they will detain us,” said a Delhi University student among the protesters.
Students inside the gurdwara said they were awaiting further instructions from the CJP about the protest. Yohan Makwana, who had travelled from Gujarat, said, “We are all waiting for Ajinkya Shinde’s call and further updates.”
