Protests over India’s electoral process brought rival groups face-to-face in London. Police stepped in to keep the demonstrators apart as slogans supporting and opposing the Indian government echoed across the area.
Dhruv Rathee Joins Protest in London
A protest involving YouTuber Dhruv Rathee took place at Parliament Square in London on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The demonstration was organised by Congress-linked groups and Indian student organisations to raise concerns over India’s electoral process and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protesters questioned the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities in the process. The Election Commission maintains that the exercise is intended to update voter lists by identifying deceased, duplicate, shifted and otherwise ineligible entries.
Modi Supporters Hold Counter-Protest
The demonstration was met by a group supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. The two groups raised competing slogans, with one demanding electoral accountability and the other chanting slogans in support of Modi.
The face-off reflected differing views among sections of the Indian diaspora over the government and the country’s electoral process.
British Police Keep Groups Apart
London’s Metropolitan Police intervened to keep the rival groups separated as tensions rose. Reports said officers maintained a distance between the demonstrators to prevent the situation from escalating.
However, claims that police removed people simply for supporting India have not been independently confirmed. Reports indicate that police were keeping the opposing groups apart.
Slogans and Heated Exchanges
Videos from the demonstrations circulated online, showing crowds raising slogans and responding to the opposing group. Some social media claims alleged that protesters abused PM Modi and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The available reports do not independently establish all the allegations about abusive language or the identities and nationalities of everyone involved.
Protest Sparks Online Debate
The London demonstrations have triggered debate over political protests abroad and the role of Indian diaspora groups in domestic political issues. While organisers said they were raising concerns about electoral transparency, government supporters staged a counter-protest to express their support for Modi.
The incident highlights the sharp political differences surrounding India’s electoral process and how those disagreements are now playing out beyond the country’s borders.