SFI UK Protests in London, “Want to Eradicate Hindutva”
The slogan also brought renewed focus to the distinction between opposition to a political ideology and hostility towards a religious community.
Total Views |
London , October 24 : “Just removing the BJP and RSS won't achieve anything. We must eradicate Hindutva; we need freedom from Hindutva,” an SFI activist said during a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on October 16, drawing attention to the organisation’s broader ideological opposition alongside its demands for electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The developments have brought competing political positions into public discussion, with questions surrounding electoral reforms and democratic rights continuing to shape the debate.
The protesters alleged that the revision process could result in voter deletions and undermine democratic rights. The demonstration was part of a broader campaign by sections of the Indian diaspora against the electoral roll revision and the Election Commission’s handling of the exercise.
The remarks drew attention to the broader debate surrounding Hindutva, which supporters describe as a cultural and national ideology, while critics view it as a political project that challenges India’s secular character.
The slogan also brought renewed focus to the distinction between opposition to a political ideology and hostility towards a religious community. Hindutva is associated with Hindu nationalism, while Hinduism is a diverse religious tradition with a range of beliefs and practices.
The protest coincided with a separate demonstration by supporters of the Indian government near Parliament Square. The two groups raised competing slogans, prompting Metropolitan Police officers to keep them apart to prevent tensions from escalating.
Just removing BJP and RSS won't achieve anything. We must eradicate Hindutva; we need freedom from Hindutva: SFI pic.twitter.com/iDVFopFQlX
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 23, 2026
The demonstrations reflected differing views among sections of the Indian diaspora on electoral reforms, democratic rights and the political direction of India.
The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has emerged as a major political issue, with opposition parties and protest groups raising concerns about possible voter deletions and electoral fairness.
The BJP and the Election Commission have rejected allegations of wrongdoing in the wider controversy.
The London protest highlighted how political debates in India have extended beyond the country’s borders, with diaspora groups organising demonstrations over electoral integrity, the Election Commission’s functioning and Hindutva.