YouTuber calls for demonstration at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue as India’s electoral controversy reaches international stageLONDON, October 17: YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee has arrived in London and announced a protest against alleged electoral irregularities in India. He has called on Indians living in the British capital to join him at Parliament Square on Saturday, October 17.Rathee shared a message on social media announcing his arrival and urging people to gather in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at noon local time.
“It’s time the world sees the reality of vote chor and murderer of democracy,” he wrote, adding, “International danka bajane ka time aa gaya hai.”
The protest is aimed at bringing international attention to allegations of electoral irregularities and concerns surrounding India’s democratic institutions.
Why Is Dhruv Rathee Protesting?
The announcement comes amid a growing controversy over the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties and activists have questioned the revision process, raising concerns about voter deletions, transparency and the possibility of eligible voters being excluded from electoral lists. Protesters have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
However, allegations of deliberate vote theft remain contested. The Election Commission has maintained that the revision process is not politically motivated and that eligible voters whose names are missing can seek re-registration.
Dhruv rathee spotted in the protest
London Has Already Witnessed Rival Demonstrations
The development follows demonstrations outside the High Commission of India in London on Friday, October 16.
The Students’ Federation of India UK organised a protest demanding electoral accountability and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. A separate group of Indian government supporters held a counter-protest backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government.
Metropolitan Police officers kept the two groups apart as demonstrators raised competing slogans and waved Indian flags.
These demonstrations took place outside India House and were separate from Rathee’s announced gathering at Parliament Square.
What Happens Next?
Rathee’s announcement marks another development in the ongoing protests over India’s electoral process. His planned demonstration is scheduled for noon on October 17 in London, which corresponds to 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time.
As of the time of writing, the announced protest’s outcome and turnout have not been independently confirmed. Further updates are awaited from the gathering.