Delhi Protests Demand Removal of Election Commissioner
Youth Congress, SFI, and DYFI workers protest in Delhi against the Election Commission over SIR irregularities.
Tensions escalated in the national capital on Friday as workers from the Youth Congress, the Students' Federation of India (SFI), and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a massive demonstration near Jantar Mantar. The protesters are targeting the Election Commission, alleging serious irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Demands for Chief Election Commissioner's Removal
The demonstrators have issued a direct demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest comes amidst a wave of nationwide demonstrations aimed at questioning the integrity of the electoral rolls and the conduct of the SIR process.
During the demonstration, former Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya emphasized the fundamental right to dissent. "We are being told not to go here or there... No one wants to protest, but when you make mistakes, and we have to protest against them... Protest anywhere in the country; it is a matter of right to vote," Dahiya stated.
Heavy Security and Legal Restrictions
The protest unfolded under a heavy security blanket in central Delhi. Authorities had previously denied permission for the demonstration and had imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, leading to a significant police presence in the area.
Nationwide Unrest: Protests in Mumbai
The unrest was not limited to the capital. In Mumbai, activists from the CJP and various civil society organizations gathered at Shivaji Park to voice similar grievances regarding the SIR exercise. The Mumbai protest saw a heavy deployment of police to manage the crowds.
The situation in Mumbai also saw a counter-protest by a group identifying as "Gen next Mumbai." Reacting to the allegations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims, stating that the Election Commission's position had already been clarified. "The entire matter has been exposed. Following the press conference held by the three Election Commissioners, their fake narrative has been busted," Fadnavis remarked.
Aggressive Rhetoric from Opposition
The political friction has taken a sharp turn with highly charged language. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das directed intense criticism at the top official, alleging that the current leadership is undermining national interests. Das called for widespread public support, suggesting that the momentum seen in previous youth-led movements would continue in this fight against the poll panel.