Dhruv Rathee and Prakash Raj at Bengaluru SIR Protest: Key Quotes Explained
Dhruv Rathee said he had not come for regime change, while Prakash Raj demanded the SIR be scrapped. What both said at Freedom Park and why it matters.
Two well-known faces, one stage
The CJP's protest at Bengaluru's Freedom Park drew extra attention because two public figures with large online followings shared the stage: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor-activist Prakash Raj. Their remarks quickly became the most-shared moments of the day.
What Dhruv Rathee said
Rathee focused his criticism on the Election Commission's handling of the Special Intensive Revision. According to The Times of India, he alleged there was "zero transparency and zero accountability" from the commission and added, "I have not come here for regime change." The line appeared aimed at critics who describe the protests as a partisan campaign against the ruling BJP.
What Prakash Raj said
Prakash Raj called for the SIR exercise to be scrapped, arguing that the issue was not only deleted names but the dignity and rights of citizens. He also alleged that CEC Gyanesh Kumar was acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. These are political allegations; neither the commission nor the government has accepted them, and the commission maintains the revision is lawful.
Why their presence matters
Both men reach audiences far larger than most party spokespeople. Their appearance gives the CJP visibility among young, online voters, which is the group's core base. At the same time it gives opponents an easy argument that the protest is celebrity-driven. For readers, the useful distinction is between verifiable facts — names deleted, appeals filed, official replies — and claims made from the stage.
The bigger SIR debate
The revision has become one of the most contested political issues this year. Opposition parties say large numbers of genuine voters were removed; the Election Commission says it removed duplicate and ineligible entries. Petitions concerning the CEC are pending before the Supreme Court, which on October 5 declined to pass an interim order restraining him, as widely reported.
How to check your own voter status
- Search your name on the Election Commission's official voter search portal.
- Contact your Booth Level Officer if your entry is missing.
- Use Form 6 for new enrolment or re-inclusion within official deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Did Dhruv Rathee attend the Bengaluru protest?
Yes. He spoke at Freedom Park on October 8, 2026, and said he had not come for regime change.
What did Prakash Raj demand?
That the SIR of electoral rolls be scrapped.
Sources
Independently written from reporting by the outlets below. Allegations are attributed and have not been independently verified by EngBen. Details may change.