The Tripura Congress stepped up its campaign against the Election Commission (EC) today with a street protest in Agartala, demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and announcing plans for a larger agitation.
Key Takeaways
- Congress held a protest near the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Agartala on Friday.
- Party leaders demanded the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- MLA Sudip Roy Barman announced a broader agitation against the Election Commission and the BJP-led government.
The Congress organised a workers’ gathering in the Office Lane area of Agartala today, on September 25, close to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, and staged a protest against the Election Commission. Party workers and supporters burnt an effigy of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raised slogans questioning the role of the poll panel.
Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha and other party leaders, workers and supporters took part in the programme.
Congress Demands Resignation, Arrest of CEC
The protesters demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and called for his arrest. Addressing the gathering, Roy Barman accused the Election Commission of undermining democratic processes.
He claimed that concerns raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the economy, foreign policy and the functioning of democratic institutions were now being reflected in developments across the country.
Roy Barman also alleged that the Election Commission had engaged in actions that affected the democratic process. He specifically targeted Gyanesh Kumar and demanded legal action against him.
The MLA said the Congress would continue its campaign and prepare for a larger movement in the coming days.
Roy Barman Targets BJP Government
Roy Barman also criticised the BJP-led government and its leadership during his address. He said people would eventually respond to the BJP government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He claimed that the present government was relying on electoral mechanisms rather than public support. He also alleged that teachers, educated unemployed youth, government employees, workers and farmers were being ignored.
According to Roy Barman, the Congress wanted to win elections through its work for the people. He said the party would continue to raise issues concerning ordinary citizens.
Allegations Over Electoral Process
The Congress MLA alleged irregularities in elections held in different states. He referred to West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Haryana while making his allegations.
He also raised the issue of immunity granted to Election Commission officials. Referring to the expulsion of 141 MPs, Roy Barman alleged that subsequent changes had provided protection to members of the Election Commission from legal action.
He claimed that such immunity meant Election Commission officials could not easily be brought before a court over alleged wrongdoing.
Attack on Police Action Against Protesters
Roy Barman also referred to protests by TET and STGT candidates and other educated unemployed people. He alleged that protesters demanding their legitimate rights had faced police action involving force and water cannons.
He questioned the use of such measures against people raising employment-related demands.
The Congress leader linked the issue to his broader criticism of the government and its approach to public grievances.
Congress Announces Wider Agitation
Roy Barman said the Congress would discuss its future strategy at an upcoming Congress Working Committee meeting. He indicated that the party would decide its next phase of agitation against what it described as electoral irregularities and attacks on democratic institutions.
He urged people to remain alert and support the Congress movement.
The MLA also criticised what he described as “cadre-based” politics. He argued that such political structures could weaken democracy and reduce the importance given to ordinary citizens.
Call to Protect Constitutional Rights
Concluding his address, Roy Barman said the Congress wanted to restore people’s rights and protect the Constitution.
He said the party stood for social harmony, fraternity and development. He appealed to people to support the Congress and its ongoing protest programmes.
The Friday demonstration brought Congress workers and supporters together in the Office Lane area. The protest focused on the Election Commission, with party members raising slogans and demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
