Congress Protests Against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Hajo
Opposition Rally Demands Resignation of CEC
Hajo-Sualkuchi Congress committee members staging rally against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Friday (Photo: AT)
Nalbari, Oct 30: The Congress party intensified its protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Friday by organizing a march and public awareness initiative in Hajo, calling for his resignation due to accusations of making unilateral decisions.
The Kamrup District Congress Committee, in collaboration with the Hajo-Sualkuchi Block Congress Committee, conducted this block-level event as part of their "Save Vote, Save Country" campaign.
Protesters displayed banners and placards demanding Kumar's resignation while chanting slogans like “Protect democracy,” “Save votes,” and “Save the country.”
The march commenced at Satdala Chowk and made its way to the Hajo Revenue Circle Officer’s office.
During the demonstration, police intervened to prevent Congress members from burning an effigy of the CEC.
Former MLA and Congress leader Nandita Das, along with various district Congress officials and supporters, took part in the event.
Speaking to the crowd, Das accused Kumar of making several unilateral decisions regarding elections, despite the presence of three commissioners in the Election Commission of India (ECI).
“Thirteen crore voters have been removed from the electoral rolls during the recent SIR, a decision made solely by Kumar without consulting the other two commissioners,” she claimed.
Das further alleged that the CEC independently modified Form 6, which is utilized by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral rolls. She asserted that these unilateral actions were exposed after the other two election commissioners publicly objected.
The Congress leader also accused the CEC of being influenced by political pressures, implicating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in what she termed biased electoral practices.
“There has been a lack of cooperation and understanding with the Election Commission of India. Kumar must adhere to the law for the benefit of the populace. If he succumbs to political pressure, India will cease to be a democracy,” Das stated.
Demanding Kumar's resignation, she expressed concerns that elections would not be conducted fairly as long as he remained in his position.
“This is why we are conducting peaceful protests,” she added, emphasizing that the party's campaign is focused on protecting voting rights and upholding democracy.