London rallies split as Indian student groups denounce election chief while government supporters stage counter‑demo

Hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora converged on the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square, London, on Saturday. The gathering was organised by the Opposition Congress party together with several UK‑based Indian student organisations. Participants marched and held placards demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging bias in recent electoral processes in India. The protest was timed to coincide with a separate demonstration organised by supporters of the ruling government, who assembled nearby to defend the election chief and the administration’s record.

Both rallies were peaceful, with police monitoring the area and ensuring that the demonstrations did not spill over onto adjoining streets. Speakers at the student‑led event highlighted concerns about the credibility of India’s electoral machinery and called for greater transparency. In response, the counter‑protestors reiterated their confidence in the current election system and urged the diaspora to back the government’s reform agenda.

The twin protests underscore how Indian political debates are increasingly resonating with overseas communities, prompting diaspora groups to mobilise around issues that affect India’s democratic credentials.