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Lyricist Puneet Sharma says Instagram deleted his anti-CEC protest poem
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 13 Oct 2026, 09:38 AM
👁 11
Lyricist Puneet Sharma claims his poem about the anti-CEC protest was taken down from Instagram, raising concerns over content moderation.
Lyricist Puneet Sharma has publicly alleged that a poem he posted on Instagram, which addressed the recent anti-CEC (Chief Election Commissioner) protest, was removed by the platform. Sharma, known for his socially‑aware lyrics, shared the poem on his personal account earlier this week, describing the protest’s demands and urging public attention.
The anti‑CEC protest, which has gathered participants across several Indian cities, calls for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Sharma’s poem echoed these sentiments, using his characteristic lyrical style to highlight perceived shortcomings in the commission’s functioning.
In a statement to the media, Sharma said the removal appeared to be a deliberate act of censorship, noting that no warning or explanation was provided by Instagram. He urged the platform to clarify its moderation policies, especially concerning political content.
Instagram has not responded to requests for comment. The incident adds to ongoing debates in India about the balance between free expression and platform regulation, with several recent cases of content removal sparking public discourse.
The anti‑CEC protest, which has gathered participants across several Indian cities, calls for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Sharma’s poem echoed these sentiments, using his characteristic lyrical style to highlight perceived shortcomings in the commission’s functioning.
In a statement to the media, Sharma said the removal appeared to be a deliberate act of censorship, noting that no warning or explanation was provided by Instagram. He urged the platform to clarify its moderation policies, especially concerning political content.
Instagram has not responded to requests for comment. The incident adds to ongoing debates in India about the balance between free expression and platform regulation, with several recent cases of content removal sparking public discourse.