Alleging that nearly 13 crore voters have been removed from the electoral rolls, a coalition of student, youth and political organisations has announced a nationwide mobilisation on October 10, including a major protest at Jantar Mantar, against what it terms “vote chori” and an assault on democratic institutions.The mobilisation is expected to bring together student groups, Opposition organisations and citizens demanding accountability from the Election Commission and reforms in the electoral system. The organisers said their demands went beyond the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and included “systemic reforms” to safeguard voting rights and ensure greater independence and accountability of the poll panel.The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), All India Youth Federation (AIYF), Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA), Revolutionary Youth Front (RYF), All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO) and All India Youth League (AIYL) said they would mobilise members and supporters in large numbers for the October 10 protest in Delhi.The Left youth organisations also demanded the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the repeal of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. They called for a new legal framework governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, with a transparent selection process and wider public consultation.The organisations alleged that the Election Commission’s functioning under Gyanesh had raised questions about its independence and impartiality. They said the credibility of a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections depended on public trust and that the appointment mechanism should ensure that the poll panel is not subject to disproportionate executive influence.The groups also accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force during earlier protests, alleging lathi-charge, physical assault, the forcible removal and detention of protesters. They further alleged inappropriate detention of women protesters and instances of sexual assault during police action. These allegations could not be independently verified.CJP co-convener Saurav Das said the protest required the participation of young people, students and citizens from across the country.“We all — youth organisations, student groups and citizens — have to stay together to win this fight. I appeal to everyone to come to Delhi and participate in this protest. Every citizen must stand up to protect their right to vote,” he said.“This is a nationwide protest call for October 10. We will demand systemic reforms, not just the CEC’s removal,” Das said, adding that the campaign was aimed at safeguarding the electoral process and citizens’ voting rights.AISA president Neha Bora described the alleged deletion of voters as a “murder of democracy” and said the issue of “vote chori” had to be treated as a fundamental question concerning citizens’ right to vote.The organisers claimed that around 13 crore names had been removed from electoral rolls, though they did not provide supporting data at the briefing.SFI president Adarsh M Saji alleged that Gyanesh was “stealing the votes of citizens and manipulating democracy”.“In this fight, democracy will win and the people of India will win,” he said.