Rahul Gandhi Stages EC Protest as INDIA Bloc Demands CEC Resignation
Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc leaders march to the Election Commission demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation during a massive Delhi protest.
In a massive show of strength, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a high-voltage protest march toward the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The march, organized by the INDIA bloc, turned into a dramatic confrontation as security forces blocked opposition leaders from entering the Nirvachan Sadan complex.
Dramatic Confrontation at Election Commission
The protest took a dramatic turn when security personnel intercepted the advancing marchers. Prevented from entering the office complex, Congress leaders and other opposition MPs were forced to stage a sit-in protest directly in front of the Election Commission offices.
The atmosphere was electric as leaders climbed atop heavy iron barricades near the NITI Aayog office. Rahul Gandhi was seen waving the national tricolour while atop the barriers, joined by Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and other fellow MPs. The marchers were met with a heavy security presence as Delhi Police attempted to halt the movement along the high-security corridor.
Demands for Resignation and High-Profile Participation
The INDIA bloc marchers raised loud slogans demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The protest saw significant participation from key political figures, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi and NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule.
Taking a direct jab at the Chief Election Commissioner on social media, Rahul Gandhi posted a sharp message on X, stating, “Gyanesh, it’s done, bro. Time to resign.”
Kharge Warns Against Undermining Democracy
Addressing the protesters, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge issued a stern warning to the Modi government, accusing them of attempting to "snatch away" the fundamental rights granted to citizens after Independence. Kharge emphasized that the rights of young voters, women, farmers, and the poor are under threat.
Kharge highlighted several key concerns during his address:
- Protection of Voting Rights: He asserted that safeguarding voting rights is essential to protecting democracy and the Constitution.
- Allegations of Electoral Misconduct: Kharge accused the Election Commission of ignoring objections raised by its own members and conducting electoral processes incorrectly.
- Defense of Democracy: He warned that if the democratic process is compromised, the rights of every citizen are at risk.
The Congress leader concluded by warning those currently in power that the public would not remain silent if their democratic freedoms are undermined, suggesting that the struggle to protect the Constitution is ongoing.