Gyanesh Kumar Resignation Demand: INDIA Bloc Rally on Nov 1

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has backed the INDIA Bloc’s November 1 rally demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of raising concerns about electoral democracy and the exclusion of eligible voters.

Declaring “Gyanu must go”, the party said Kumar had lost the public trust required to oversee free and fair elections. The CJP called for the Election Commission’s credibility and independence to be restored, aligning itself with the opposition alliance’s campaign over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

The INDIA bloc is also planning a “public impeachment” event on October 30 at the official residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. The programme is intended to precede the November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, where opposition parties plan to raise their allegations of “vote chori” and demand accountability from the Election Commission.

CJP Backs INDIA Bloc’s Demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation

In a statement, the CJP criticised the SIR exercise and argued that concerns over the removal of eligible voters threatened the principle of representative democracy.

The party said the fundamental principle of democracy was that citizens should choose their government, rather than governments determining who could participate in the electoral process. It argued that the Election Commission must protect the voting rights of every eligible citizen.

“The fundamental principle of democracy is that people get to choose their government, not that the government gets to choose its voters,” the CJP said, adding that Kumar’s resignation was necessary to restore public confidence in the poll body.

The party maintained that the Election Commission’s responsibility was to safeguard the right to vote rather than create obstacles for eligible voters. Its endorsement adds to the opposition campaign seeking Kumar’s departure over allegations concerning electoral roll revisions and the conduct of elections.

CJP Invokes BR Ambedkar’s Vision of Democracy

The CJP invoked the constitutional vision of Dr BR Ambedkar, arguing that every adult citizen was entitled to an equal vote regardless of caste, religion, gender, education or economic background.

The party said Ambedkar, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and other makers of the Constitution had placed their faith in the people at a time when millions of Indians had never participated in an election.

According to the CJP, democracy could succeed only when every citizen had an equal say in determining the country’s future. It argued that the purpose of democratic institutions should be to expand participation rather than exclude people from the electoral process.

The party also said governments and constitutional institutions had a responsibility to protect citizens’ equal political voice, regardless of their social or economic circumstances. It pledged support to organisations working for free and fair elections and concluded its statement with the words “Jai Bhim. Jai Hind.”

INDIA Bloc’s ‘Public Impeachment’ Event Shifted to Kharge’s Residence

The CJP’s support comes as the INDIA bloc prepares for a series of programmes targeting Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.

The opposition alliance has planned a “public impeachment” event for October 30 at the official residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the programme would take place at 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, at 3.30 pm.

The Congress said it had faced permission hurdles at other proposed venues, including the Ashok Hotel and Ramlila Maidan, prompting the event to be shifted to Kharge’s residence.

Ramesh accused Kumar of violating the Constitution and undermining electoral democracy. In a post on X, he alleged that the CEC had undermined the foundations of the electoral system and misled the Supreme Court.

Ramesh also accused Kumar of acting in the interests of the ruling leadership. These statements represent the Congress’s allegations against the chief election commissioner and have not been established as findings in the information provided.

November 1 Rally to Focus on ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations

The October 30 event is planned as a curtain-raiser for the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. According to the supplied account, 21 opposition parties were expected to participate in the programme against alleged electoral irregularities and what the opposition describes as “vote chori”.

The Congress and its INDIA bloc partners have been demanding Kumar’s resignation over the SIR exercise and alleged problems in the electoral process. Their campaign centres on concerns that eligible voters could be excluded from electoral rolls and questions about the Election Commission’s accountability.

Congress MP Pawan Khera said Delhi Congress leaders were preparing for the rally and awaiting further instructions from Congress general secretary KC Venugopal.

“The entire Delhi leadership is here right now to make arrangements for the rally. Venugopal ji is coming here, after which he will give everyone instructions. Preparations are being made accordingly,” Khera told ANI.

Khera added that the programme would involve INDIA bloc parties and participants from across the country.

Venugopal also said the Congress would continue with its programme despite what he described as pressure. He accused the government of attempting to prevent the opposition from raising concerns about electoral rolls and alleged irregularities.

Special Intensive Revision at the Centre of Opposition Criticism

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become a central issue in the opposition’s campaign against Kumar. The CJP and INDIA bloc parties have raised concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters and the effect of the revision process on democratic participation.

The opposition argues that the Election Commission must ensure that eligible citizens can exercise their voting rights and that electoral procedures remain transparent and accountable. The CJP has echoed these concerns by calling for Kumar’s resignation and pledging support to organisations advocating free and fair elections.

The planned October 30 event and November 1 rally are part of the opposition’s broader effort to draw attention to its allegations against the poll body. The claims about voter exclusion, electoral irregularities and Kumar’s conduct remain allegations in the supplied account, rather than established findings.

Key Points

• The Cockroach Janta Party has backed the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
• The CJP criticised the Special Intensive Revision exercise over concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters.
• The INDIA bloc has planned a “public impeachment” event on October 30 at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in New Delhi.
• The opposition’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan is expected to focus on alleged electoral irregularities and its “vote chori” charge.

FAQs

Why is the CJP demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation?

The CJP has backed the INDIA bloc’s demand for Kumar’s resignation, arguing that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has raised concerns about the exclusion of eligible voters and public trust in the Election Commission.

When will the INDIA bloc hold its rally against Gyanesh Kumar?

The INDIA bloc has planned the rally for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, according to the supplied account.

What is the ‘public impeachment’ event planned for October 30?

The opposition has planned a “public impeachment” programme against Kumar at the official residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, at 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, at 3.30 pm.

What is the Special Intensive Revision controversy about?

The controversy centres on opposition concerns that the SIR exercise could result in eligible voters being excluded from electoral rolls. Opposition parties have used these concerns to demand greater accountability from the Election Commission.

What does ‘vote chori’ mean in the INDIA bloc’s campaign?

“Vote chori”, or vote theft, is the term used by the opposition to describe its allegations of irregularities in the electoral process. The November 1 rally is intended to highlight these claims and demand action from the Election Commission.