Congress Says PM Modi and Amit Shah Rattled by Youths’ Peaceful Protest
Jairam Ramesh accuses the Modi government of being unsettled by youth protests, alleging voter disenfranchisement and raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
NEW DELHI, Oct 10: The Congress on Saturday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing it as a “moral imperative” amid allegations of irregularities in the electoral process. The opposition party also called for the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that the exercise had undermined public confidence in the country’s election system.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were unsettled by peaceful demonstrations organised by young people concerned about their voting rights.
In a post on X, Ramesh claimed that the national capital had been placed under heightened security, with armed personnel deployed across several areas ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
He alleged that the demonstrations reflected growing concerns among young people over the protection of their constitutional right to vote under Article 326.
Ramesh further accused the chief election commissioner of acting in accordance with the wishes of the ruling leadership. He called for Kumar’s resignation, alleging that the Election Commission’s actions had damaged public trust in the institution.
The Congress leader also criticised the legislation passed in December 2023 that provides legal protection to the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners in specified circumstances. He alleged that the law was pushed through Parliament when 145 Opposition MPs had been suspended.
Ramesh maintained that the demand for the CEC’s resignation was only the beginning of a broader effort to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure that electoral processes remain transparent and credible.
The opposition party also sought the suspension of the SIR exercise, claiming that nearly 14 crore Indians had been disenfranchised. The figure represents the Congress’s allegation and was not independently established in the statement.
The controversy surrounding the electoral-roll revision has intensified political differences between the ruling BJP and the opposition, with concerns over voter registration and the treatment of applications becoming central to the dispute.
The proposed demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Kumar added to security concerns in the capital. The group has alleged voter-list manipulation during the SIR exercise and raised questions about changes involving Form 6, which is used to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls.
Delhi Police detained around 150 people on Friday as they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for the planned demonstration, according to police sources. Authorities also used drones to monitor movements in parts of New Delhi as security arrangements were strengthened.
Police denied permission for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar, citing security considerations and procedural requirements. The restrictions prompted further criticism from those seeking to organise the demonstration.
With political tensions mounting, the Congress reiterated that restoring confidence in the Election Commission and protecting citizens’ voting rights were essential to maintaining the credibility of India’s democratic system.
