Dhruv Rathee in London, calls supporters to Gandhi statue in Parliament Square

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has reached London and has asked his supporters there to gather in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square. In a statement posted on social media late on Friday night, he announced that he was in London himself and called on people to assemble at 12 noon on Saturday. The dispute over the working of the Election Commission of India and the alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) has now reached foreign shores.

In his message, Rathee said, "The time has come to raise our voice on this issue at the international level. If you are in London or nearby, join this peaceful protest for the defence of democracy and for fair elections." In his post on X, he wrote "I've just reached London" and asked people to join the demonstration in front of the Gandhi statue at 12 noon the next day. The call has caused considerable stir among people of Indian origin and students living in London.

The protest is linked to developments in New Delhi. Last week, the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) and other organisations announced demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police had refused permission for the protest, citing security and law and order. Heavy police deployment was put in place at key locations in Delhi so that protesters could not reach Jantar Mantar.

Before that protest, Delhi Police had detained Rathee from his home in Sector 56, Gurugram. He was released late on Saturday night after questioning and detention lasting more than 24 hours. He arrived in London within a few days.

The controversy began with an investigative report that claimed large-scale irregularities in the "Special Summary Revision" of the electoral rolls. It also alleged fake or improper tampering in "Form 6", used to register new voters. Leaders of the opposition INDIA Alliance then sharply criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The CJP and other organisations decided to take to the streets, alleging that the election process is neither transparent nor fair.

On Friday, October 16, tension was already visible outside the High Commission of India in London. Hundreds of protesters gathered at a demonstration organised by Students' Federation of India UK (SFI UK) against the SIR issue. A group of supporters of the Government of India also gathered there to counter them. Slogans were shouted by both sides over loudspeakers. The protesters raised "Jai Bhim" and slogans condemning government policies, while the pro-government group opposed them with slogans in support of the country.