Delhi: Left Leaders March to Honor Bhagat Singh and Defend Democracy
CPI(M) leaders led a march from AKG Bhawan to Gole Market to honor Bhagat Singh and protest the Election Commission's electoral roll revision.
Commemorating the 119th birth anniversary of the legendary revolutionary Shaheed Bhagat Singh, CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby and prominent Left leaders led a significant march through the streets of New Delhi on Monday. The procession, which moved from AKG Bhawan to the statue of Bhagat Singh at Gole Market, served a dual purpose: paying homage to a national icon and raising a loud voice against perceived threats to democratic processes.
A Tribute to a Revolutionary Icon
The march was organized to honor the memory of Bhagat Singh, who was born on September 28, 1907, in Banga. As one of the most influential figures in India's struggle against British colonial rule, Singh’s legacy continues to inspire political movements across the country. The leaders paused at the Gole Market statue to offer tributes, reflecting on his historic defiance, including the 1929 Central Legislative Assembly bombing alongside Batukeshwar Dutt, which was intended to protest colonial legislation.
The marchers invoked Singh's spirit of sacrifice, noting his execution at the young age of 23 alongside Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, as a reminder of the cost of fighting for justice and freedom.
Protest Against Electoral Roll Revisions
While the occasion was a birth anniversary, the political undertones were sharp. The Left leaders used the platform to pledge their commitment to protecting the Right to Vote and upholding democratic values. This comes at a time of intense political friction regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) currently being conducted by the Election Commission.
The march highlighted growing concerns among opposition groups regarding the integrity of electoral rolls. The leaders expressed fears that the ongoing revision processes could undermine the sanctity of the democratic mandate.
Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Election Commission
The demonstration in Delhi was not an isolated event. A wave of protests swept across various parts of India on Monday, with the Congress party also leading demonstrations against the functioning of the Election Commission. Key highlights of the nationwide unrest include:
- Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud led a march from the Indira Gandhi statue to the Election Commission office.
- Patna: Left parties staged protests specifically targeting the leadership of the Election Commission.
- Srinagar and Lucknow: Congress workers held demonstrations, adding to the mounting pressure on the electoral authorities.
Congress MP Pawan Khera alleged that the election mandate is being "stolen" through illegal means, specifically targeting the Special Intensive Revision. Khera claimed that certain changes, such as those involving Form 6, require parliamentary approval and demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Similarly, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala indicated that the party intends to seek the prosecution of the CEC.