Youth Congress Protests Across Cities Over CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Youth Congress and Congress workers staged protests across cities demanding action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing controversy over electoral-roll revision.
Youth Congress and Congress workers staged protests in several cities on September 25, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Demonstrations were reported in Delhi, Chandigarh and other cities, with protesters raising concerns about electoral transparency and voter rights.
In Chandigarh, Youth Congress workers protested against Kumar and burnt his effigy. In Delhi, protesters marched towards the Election Commission office, where security arrangements were tightened. Congress had directed its state and district units to organise demonstrations outside election offices across the country.
The protests follow reports of disagreements within the Election Commission over aspects of the SIR exercise. An investigation reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several occasions concerning electoral-roll changes and related processes.
The Election Commission, however, has said differing views are part of institutional deliberation and maintained that key decisions were taken unanimously.
The protests have added to the political debate surrounding SIR, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and accountability from the poll panel. The Supreme Court is also examining aspects of the Delhi SIR process, including notices issued to voters over reported discrepancies.
For now, the electoral-roll debate has moved firmly from paperwork to the streets.
