Muslim Youth League marches across Malappuram against SIR, seeks CEC's resignation

The Muslim Youth League (MYL) has taken its campaign against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to the streets of Malappuram, organising marches at multiple locations since Friday, September 25, 2026.

The protests have centred on a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom the MYL accuses of weakening the electoral process through the revision exercise.

In Kottakkal, the demonstration took the shape of a large march from Chenkuvetty to the Kottakkal bus stand, with thousands of workers joining the rally. The procession was led by MYL State committee member K.M. Khaleel.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Khaleel said the organisation would persist in raising its voice against what it regards as threats to the electoral system. He linked the protest to broader public grievances, including the E20 petrol blend 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, adding that 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, while constituency secretary C.P. Nisar welcomed the gathering. The MYL's Malappuram Assembly constituency committee also staged a protest against Mr. Kumar.

Among those who addressed the Kottakkal rally were 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.

Separately, the Welfare Party held its own protests in Malappuram, also demanding the CEC's resignation and alleging that the SIR had undermined the electoral system.