AAP to Launch One-Day Hunger Strike Against CEC on Oct 15
Aam Aadmi Party leaders announce a one-day hunger strike on October 15 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has escalated its political confrontation with the central authorities, announcing a massive one-day hunger strike scheduled for October 15. This symbolic protest is aimed directly at the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, as the party intensifies its campaign demanding his immediate resignation.
Strategic Meeting at Party Headquarters
The decision to launch the fast was finalized during a high-level meeting held on Monday at the AAP headquarters in Delhi. The gathering brought together a wide spectrum of the party's leadership, including:
- Sanjay Singh: Rajya Sabha MP
- Saurabh Bharadwaj: Delhi unit president
- Gopal Rai: Former minister and senior leader
- Imran Hussain: Former minister
The meeting involved Delhi’s MLAs, local councillors, and district-level office-bearers, all focused on a singular objective: formulating a roadmap to intensify their agitation against the Election Commission and the central government.
Demanding Resignation of Gyanesh Kumar
Speaking to the media following the deliberations, AAP leader Gopal Rai clarified the party's stance. He emphasized that the hunger strike is not an isolated event but a continuation of their ongoing struggle.
"The agenda of the meeting was to formulate a strategy to further intensify the agitation in the coming days, demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Our protests will continue. We have called for a hunger strike on October 15 as a mark of protest," Gopal Rai stated.
Rai further noted that the party intends to maintain its "Gandhian tradition" by conducting peaceful protests. On October 15, party workers and leaders from every corner of Delhi are expected to congregate at the party headquarters to observe the fast.
Clashes and Detentions Near Janpath
The tension surrounding the party's agitation was palpable even before the announcement of the hunger strike. Following the strategic meeting, a group of AAP leaders and workers attempted to march toward Jantar Mantar to voice their grievances.
However, the march was intercepted by police near Janpath. The attempt to proceed led to heated confrontations and clashes between the police personnel and AAP workers. In the ensuing chaos, the authorities detained several high-profile figures, including:
- MP Sanjay Singh
- Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj
- Various MLAs and councillors
While the detained leaders were released later in the evening, the incident underscores the growing volatility and the high stakes involved in the party's escalating battle with the Election Commission.