Activists, student leaders call for October 2 protest over EC functioning

Activists and student leaders have proposed a Gandhi Jayanti protest at Jantar Mantar on October 2 against the Election Commission’s functioning and demanding action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police had not granted permission for the proposed gathering as of Wednesday

New Delhi: A group of social activists and student leaders on Wednesday called on people to join a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti against the Election Commission’s functioning and to demand the “impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The group, which includes AISA president Neha Bora, advocate Prashant Bhushan and RJD MP Manoj Jha, said the gathering is proposed to be held at 11 am on October 2.

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The organisers said they had informed the Parliament Street police about the proposed gathering, including the expected turnout, timing and details of those responsible for organising the event. However, Delhi Police had not granted permission for the protest as of Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference, the activists raised concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging that it had raised questions about the protection of citizens’ voting rights.

Bora, who had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar during the agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak issue, said protesters had earlier faced restrictions and detention while attempting to raise concerns over electoral issues.

A second AISA member said they had not received any “rejection” from the police yet.

Bhushan alleged that several procedural irregularities had taken place during the electoral-roll revision process and claimed that decisions relating to the addition and deletion of voters had been centralised.

Jha said the issue should not be viewed merely as a contest between the ruling party and the Opposition but as one concerning citizens’ rights.

“This is not an issue of ruling versus Opposition; it is a matter concerning the rights of the common people; rights that were summarily rejected,” Jha said.

The speakers also called for greater accountability from the Election Commission and reiterated their demand for Kumar’s resignation.

The proposed protest comes amid demonstrations by Opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in Delhi over the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.

The CJP had also announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2 over the issue. After being denied permission for the protest, it has now called for a “Jail Bharo Andolan”.

The Opposition INDIA bloc, which also announced its protest plans on Wednesday, will hold “Save Democracy” marches in all districts from October 2 to 8.

Demonstrations will be held outside district magistrates’ offices, where youth and NGOs will also be invited. The bloc has also announced a march by Parliamentarians to the Election Commission’s office here on October 6.