Congress Stages Protests Across India, Demands Gyanesh Kumar's Removal

The Congress party held protests in state capitals across the country on Friday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests were held in Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Patna, Guwahati, and other state capitals, with several leaders being detained during the protests.

This includes the party's Assam unit chief Gaurav Gogoi in Guwahati and Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai in Lucknow.

Police used force against the protesters at many places. With Congress workers clashing with the police in Lucknow after they were stopped from marching towards the UP Chief Electoral Officer's office in Hazratganj.

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According to The Indian Express, two election commissioners objected on record 14 times in 10 months to SIR-related decisions taken by the poll panel. This report appears to have sparked the protests. With Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal stating, Gyanesh will go, it's a matter of time… Congress will make it happen.

He added that every Indian who is even slightly concerned about saving democracy should step out and mount pressure on this regime and its puppets to fix accountability for this daylight robbery of our vote. And to ensure those guilty are severely punished for destroying our democracy.

The protesters are demanding Gyanesh Kumar's removal. With Venugopal stating,The protests held by our leaders and workers across the country asking for his removal are just the beginning. There will be a massive outpouring of the defenders of democracy against the 'deshdrohis' who are out to destroy it.

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India's ruling party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cracked down on widespread protests, detaining prominent Congress officials and activists. This includes those from student and social activist groups, at multiple locations nationwide.

As the government's term draws to a close, Modi and his Deputy Prime Minister, Shah, appear increasingly anxious about the escalating public discontent, marked by growing anger and despair. Ramesh, a Rajya Sabha member, observes this trend with growing concern.

"This fury stems from the very fact that the Election Commission has been seized and coerced into functioning in violation of all constitutional principles and traditions," added Ramesh.