NEW DELHI, October 8, 2026 : The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased the deployment of additional reserve personnel as part of the security arrangements for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, officials said, amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The additional personnel have been deployed to reinforce Kumar’s existing Z+ security cover, particularly in view of the prevailing security situation and the assessment of potential threats.
Additional Personnel Deployed
According to officials, the reinforcement was implemented on October 7 following an order to increase the strength of the additional reserve deployment.
Additional CISF personnel have been positioned at Kumar’s residence in New Moti Bagh Colony, New Delhi, as well as at the Election Commission of India (ECI) office and within arrangements related to his personal security.
The additional deployment is intended to provide greater flexibility to security agencies depending on the prevailing situation.
No Upgrade in Security Category
Officials clarified that the latest move does not amount to an upgrade of Kumar’s existing security category.
The Chief Election Commissioner is already protected under the Z+ security category, which is described as the country’s second-highest level of security cover.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) provides the higher category of protection to the Prime Minister and eligible immediate family members under the applicable security framework.
Officials said Kumar’s Z+ status remains unchanged.
Instead, the latest measure involves the mobilisation of personnel maintained in a reserve pool who can be deployed when required based on threat perception and security assessments.
Precautionary Security Measure
Officials described the additional deployment as a precautionary measure rather than a change in Kumar’s formal security classification.
Reserve personnel can be deployed or withdrawn depending on developments on the ground and the prevailing assessment by security agencies.
The latest reinforcement comes at a time when political protests are taking place over the electoral-roll revision exercise.
Protests Over SIR
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become a major political issue, with opposition parties raising allegations concerning the manner in which the exercise is being conducted.
The INDIA bloc has been organising protests demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Senior opposition leaders, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with leaders from the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress, have participated in or supported the protests.
The opposition has accused the Election Commission of electoral manipulation and alleged that the poll body is functioning under government influence.
These allegations are political claims made by opposition parties and have been disputed by the authorities.
Security Amid Political Tensions
The decision to strengthen the reserve component of Kumar’s security comes against this backdrop of heightened political activity.
The additional deployment allows security agencies to respond to changing circumstances without altering the Chief Election Commissioner’s existing Z+ classification.
Officials stressed that the personnel are being deployed according to the prevailing threat perception and security assessment.
Election Commission Under Focus
The Election Commission has come under increased political scrutiny over the SIR exercise, with opposition parties questioning aspects of the electoral-roll revision process.
The controversy has led to demonstrations in several parts of the country and increased attention on senior Election Commission officials.
Against this backdrop, security agencies have strengthened the protective arrangements around the Chief Election Commissioner.
Existing Z+ Cover Remains
Despite the increase in personnel, officials reiterated that Gyanesh Kumar’s security category remains Z+.
The latest measure therefore represents an expansion of the personnel available for security duties rather than an elevation to a higher category.
The additional reserve personnel can be used at the CEC’s residence, workplace and other locations connected with his official and personal security requirements.
The deployment will continue to be assessed according to the security situation and threat perception.
