The Congress on Friday intensified its nationwide campaign against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, staging protests in several states, including Manipur and Assam, and demanding his removal and arrest over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In Manipur, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) organised a protest march towards the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Imphal. Congress workers attempted to enter the premises at Lamphelpat, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. Security forces later fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
Addressing the gathering, MPCC president and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh questioned the functioning of the Election Commission and alleged that crucial decisions were being taken by the Chief Election Commissioner despite the panel comprising three members. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote theft,” Ibobi claimed that concerns had emerged over the decision-making process within the poll body and demanded Kumar’s removal.
The Election Commission has rejected reports of any division within the three-member panel, maintaining that differing views during internal discussions are part of a multi-member institution and that all decisions, including those related to the SIR exercise, were ultimately taken unanimously.
Meanwhile, in Assam, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and MP Gaurav Gogoi along with several senior party leaders were detained by police during a protest in Guwahati. The Congress had planned a march from Rajiv Bhawan to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer at Janata Bhawan as part of the nationwide agitation.
According to APCC Media Department chairman Bedabrat Bora, those detained included AICC secretary Manoj Chauhan, Seva Dal president Deep Bayan, APCC general secretary Udit Bhanu Das, and several other party leaders.
The Assam Congress condemned the police action, alleging that its leaders and workers were forcibly detained while participating in a peaceful democratic protest. The party also accused police of using force during an attempt by protesters to burn an effigy of the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Congress has announced that the agitation will continue, with the second phase of protests scheduled outside district collectorates and district commissioner offices on September 28.
