Rahul Gandhi Compares CEC Protests to 'Lord Shiva's Tandav'
Rahul Gandhi compares the movement against CEC Gyanesh Kumar to Lord Shiva's Tandav, stating the protest requires no fixed plan and will continue.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has drawn a powerful spiritual parallel to the ongoing demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, describing the movement as "Lord Shiva’s Tandav." Speaking at a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi asserted that the protest does not rely on a rigid strategy but is a spontaneous and unstoppable force.
No Fixed Plan Needed for the Movement
Addressing the media ahead of the INDIA bloc's march to the Supreme Court, Gandhi dismissed the idea that the protests require meticulous coordination. He used the metaphor of a divine dance to explain the unpredictable nature of the agitation.
"My sister tells me that we should make a plan. So I told her, 'You are not understanding the point. This is Tandav. This is Lord Shiva’s dance. There is no planning in this,'" Gandhi remarked. He explained that while the movement might change its form daily—moving from a march to the Supreme Court to other actions—its momentum remains constant.
Recalling a previous sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhavan, he noted how the movement adapts to obstacles. "The plan was that we would go by bus, sit there, and get arrested. The police wouldn't let us go. So we changed the plan. Did the result come from the plan, or did it come from the non-plan?" he questioned, adding that anyone is welcome to join "Shiva's procession."
Direct Warning to CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The Congress leader did not mince words when addressing the Chief Election Commissioner directly. He intensified the pressure on Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation and questioning his conduct.
"Gyanesh Kumar, we know your situation. We know you are unable to sleep at night, and do not worry, we will not spare you," Gandhi declared. He warned that the CEC would not be able to escape accountability as lakhs of citizens continue to question his role and decisions.
Gandhi further alleged that serious questions are being raised within various security agencies regarding perceived double standards. He claimed that officials within the Home Ministry, Delhi Police, CRPF, and ITBP are questioning why youth protesters are being restricted while members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are permitted to move freely.
Call to Action and Supreme Court March
The Congress leader issued an urgent call to all political parties to join the INDIA bloc's march to protect the Constitution. He invited supporters to gather at Barakhamba Junction in Connaught Place for the march toward the Supreme Court.
- Event: INDIA bloc march to the Supreme Court
- Location: Barakhamba Junction, Connaught Place
- Objective: Filing a petition regarding the CEC's conduct and protecting the Constitution
For those unable to attend the physical march, Gandhi urged citizens to show solidarity when the delegation reaches the Supreme Court to file their petition.
High Security in Central Delhi
As the protests intensify, security has been significantly tightened across the national capital. Authorities have deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CRPF alongside Delhi Police personnel. Barricades have been erected at multiple locations, including Barakhamba Road and near Mandi House. For security reasons, certain metro station entries and exits are expected to remain closed until the afternoon.