SRINAGAR: Political parties aligned with the INDIA bloc staged a protest in Srinagar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration was part of a nationwide campaign by the alliance against alleged irregularities in the electoral process, particularly concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.
Protestors Allege Vote Deletion, Question Election Commission’s Conduct
Scores of leaders and workers from various INDIA bloc constituent parties gathered at the Congress headquarters on M.A. Road in Srinagar. They attempted to march towards the main road but were prevented by police from leaving the party office premises. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Election Chor of India Gyanesh Kumar” and “bye bye fair elections in India,” directing their dissent towards the Chief Election Commissioner and the central government.
According to reports, over 13.30 crore names have allegedly been removed from electoral rolls during the SIR exercise. Opposition parties have labelled this exercise as arbitrary and claim that eligible voters have been disenfranchised. This has become a central point of contention, with the INDIA bloc asserting that the country’s democratic and electoral systems are being undermined.
Nationwide Campaign Against Election Commission
The protest in Srinagar is one of several demonstrations organized by the INDIA bloc across Jammu and Kashmir and the country. Similar marches and rallies have been announced in various districts between October 4 and October 8, culminating in a larger ‘Save Democracy’ march in Jammu on October 7. The alliance has stated that these protests are in line with decisions made at the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on September 30, as part of a nationwide campaign scheduled from October 2 to October 8.
Leaders from the Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and National Panthers Party India were present at a joint press conference in Jammu to finalize the protest schedule. They reiterated their demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over electoral fairness and transparency.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Tenure and Controversies
Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as the Chief Election Commissioner of India on February 19, 2025. His tenure has been marked by scrutiny following reports of internal objections raised by fellow Election Commissioners regarding decisions and orders issued by the commission. While the Election Commission has stated that such differences are normal and final decisions are unanimous, the opposition has seized upon these reports to question the CEC’s integrity and the fairness of the electoral process under his leadership. The INDIA bloc leaders have also linked the current protests to the broader agenda of ensuring an independent and impartial electoral system.
The opposition parties have also renewed their demand for the early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the delay by the central government has led to widespread resentment among the populace of the Union Territory. The protests are framed as a fight to protect democratic institutions and the electoral system, with leaders vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
The Chenab Times News Desk