India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has strongly criticised US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal for her remarks on India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling them “unacceptable interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

Jayapal triggered a controversy by describing the SIR exercise as “purging 130 million people from the voting rolls". She compared the process to the Trump administration’s playbook to “undermine voting rights in a democracy."

Responding to her comments, Kwatra said, “The remarks by @RepJayapal on India’s electoral and political processes are unacceptable interference in India’s internal affairs." He defended India’s democratic system, highlighting its robust and independent constitutional institutions and longstanding record of free and fair elections. He added, “Always open to constructive conversation with the Congresswoman to dispel her misconceptions,".

Kwatra’s response followed Jayapal’s statement supporting non-violent protests against what she described as “anti-democratic efforts" in India. She said people in both countries deserved free and fair elections and stressed the need to protect democratic institutions.

“Non-violent resistance movements are essential in these moments and I stand with the Indian people who are engaging in non-violent protests to counter anti-democratic efforts in India," she said.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has witnessed protests by opposition political parties and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) movement. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter deletions and manipulation of electoral lists.

On October 10, Delhi Police detained hundreds of people, including activists, journalists and advocates, during a major crackdown on the CJP’s planned protest. Authorities have also stepped up security across several parts of the national capital ahead of further demonstrations.