Protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar intensified across India on Friday, with demonstrations held in Delhi and Mumbai, according to reports from the Times of India and NDTV. Protesters are calling for Kumar's resignation over perceived issues with the electoral rolls.

In the capital, approximately 700 individuals were detained in Delhi while attempting to gather near Jantar Mantar for demonstrations, according to both the Times of India and NDTV. These detentions occurred as protesters sought to voice their concerns regarding the Chief Election Commissioner.

Mumbai also witnessed significant demonstrations, where thousands of individuals gathered at Shivaji Park. These gatherings proceeded despite police orders, according to the Times of India. Various groups in Mumbai participated in the protests, demanding Kumar's resignation and accountability, the Times of India reported.

The protests were not confined to these two metropolitan areas. Similar demonstrations also took place in other cities, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Patna, highlighting a growing movement, according to the Times of India.

Prominent political figure Rahul Gandhi has publicly called for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation amidst the ongoing protests, the Times of India reported.

At the core of the protests are allegations of irregularities in the electoral-roll revision exercise, as stated by the Times of India. Protesters are raising concerns over perceived issues with the electoral rolls.

NDTV reported that the demonstrations centre on issues related to the Election Commission and a process referred to as the Systematic Identification and Removal (SIR). This process, according to NDTV, has resulted in the removal of "crores of 'inactive' voters" from the electoral lists across the country.

The widespread nature of the protests and the increasing number of participants suggest a growing movement against the Chief Election Commissioner, according to the Times of India. The demonstrations underscore intensifying public discontent over the handling of electoral rolls.