Youth League takes SIR protests to streets across Malappuram

Muslim Youth League workers taking out a protest rally demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN The Muslim Youth League (MYL) has taken its protest against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to the streets, holding marches at several places in Malappuram since Friday (September 25, 2026).The protests centred on a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The MYL has accused Mr. Kumar of weakening the electoral process through the SIR.In Kottakkal, the protest took the form of a large march from Chenkuvetty to the Kottakkal bus stand. Thousands of workers joined the rally led by MYL State committee member K.M. Khaleel.Mr. Khaleel said the organisation would continue to raise its voice against what it sees as threats to the electoral system. He also linked the protest to other issues affecting the public, including E20 petrol and charges on online payments.“What we are seeing is not just a debate over an electoral roll. It concerns people’s right to participate in a democracy,” Mr. Khaleel said. He added the MYL would continue its protests until the concerns over the revision of electoral rolls were addressed.Indian Union Muslim League district secretary K.M. Gafoor inaugurated the rally. Constituency secretary C.P. Nisar welcomed the gathering. The MYL’s Malappuram Assembly constituency committee also held a protest against Gyanesh Kumar.The Welfare Party held separate protests in Malappuram, also demanding the CEC’s resignation and alleging that the SIR had undermined the electoral system.Muslim League constituency president Basheer Randathani, secretary Salam Valanchery, treasurer Siddique Parappur, Kottakkal municipal chairman K.K. Nasser and Kuttippuram block panchayat president A. Ajayan addressed the rally at Kottakkal. Published - September 26, 2026 09:26 pm IST