"Black Day": Congress to Protest Nationally After Leaders Injured
Congress to hold nationwide Black Day protests on Oct 8 following police action and injuries to Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi during ECI protest.
The Indian National Congress has declared October 8 as a "Black Day" for Indian democracy, announcing a massive wave of protests across state, district, and block levels. This intense mobilization follows a violent confrontation between police and opposition leaders during a march aimed at demanding accountability from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Chaos Near Jantar Mantar
The tension erupted when members of the INDIA bloc, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, attempted to march toward Jantar Mantar. The protesters were demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar following controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes to Form 6.
As the marchers attempted to bypass police barricades, the situation turned volatile. Eyewitness accounts and party statements suggest that Delhi Police used force to push back the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, Rahul Gandhi was seen attempting to open a barricaded gate before being intercepted by security personnel.
Allegations of Brutality and Injuries
The Congress party has leveled heavy accusations against the BJP-led central government, describing the police action as "barbaric mistreatment." According to a note issued by General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were subjected to a lathi charge that resulted in serious injuries.
The scene grew particularly distressing as Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was seen lying on the ground. She reportedly confronted the authorities, stating:
"I will not move from here. This is how they treat MPs who simply want to meet the Election Commission. This is how they beat up MPs. Women police personnel have scratched me all over and thrown us to the ground."
A Fight for the Constitution
The Congress has framed this crackdown not just as a physical confrontation, but as a direct assault on the democratic fabric of the nation. The party leadership maintains that the detention of elected representatives and the Leader of the Opposition is an attack on the Constitution itself.
The party has outlined a clear and uncompromising agenda moving forward:
- Nationwide Mobilization: All Pradesh, District, and Block Congress Committees have been directed to organize widespread demonstrations on Thursday, October 8.
- Demand for Resignation: The party vowed to continue its struggle "relentlessly" until CEC Gyanesh Kumar is removed from his position.
- Restoring Integrity: The primary goal remains the full restoration of the integrity of the Indian electoral system.
The protest comes at a sensitive time for the ECI, as opposition leaders continue to raise concerns regarding internal objections within the commission and the transparency of the electoral roll revision process.