JAMMU, Sept 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee on Monday staged a protest in Jammu, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of “vote chori”.
The protest, organised by the District Congress Committee Jammu Urban, was held at Shaheedi Chowk, from where Congress leaders and workers attempted to march towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The march was stopped by police amid heavy deployment.
The demonstration was led by former minister and DCC Jammu Urban president Yogesh Sawhney and DCC Jammu Rural president Neeraj Kundan. J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Working President Raman Bhalla, former minister Mula Ram and other senior party leaders and workers also participated.
Addressing reporters, Bhalla said the Election Commission must uphold its constitutional responsibilities and ensure transparency in the electoral process.
He referred to concerns raised by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over alleged irregularities in the electoral process and said such allegations should be addressed through a transparent and credible mechanism.
Sawhney demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that electoral irregularities had taken place during his tenure. He also called for action against the CEC and demanded that decisions taken during his tenure be reviewed.
The Election Commission identifies Gyanesh Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Sawhney said the credibility and independence of democratic institutions must be protected and urged the Election Commission and the government to respond to concerns raised by the opposition and the public regarding electoral integrity.
Congress leaders also raised slogans and displayed placards during the protest.
