JAMMU: Leaders and workers of Congress, National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] on Wednesday held joint “Save Democracy” protest marches across Jammu and Kashmir, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over alleged irregularities in voter lists.
The main protest was held in Jammu, where participants marched from Girdhari Lal Dogra Chowk to Dr B.R. Ambedkar Chowk in Gandhi Nagar under the banner of the INDIA bloc. Protesters carried placards and banners bearing slogans such as “Save Democracy” and “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao” and later burnt an effigy of the CEC.
The opposition parties alleged that a large number of voters had been removed from electoral rolls and demanded registration of an FIR against the CEC. They also accused the BJP-led central government of influencing the electoral process. The Election Commission has not responded to the allegations in the statement issued by the parties.
Similar demonstrations were organised in Kathua, Udhampur and Kishtwar, where leaders and workers of the constituent INDIA bloc parties staged protests and raised slogans against the Centre and the Election Commission.
During the Jammu protest, participants sang the National Anthem and read out Article 326 of the Constitution, which guarantees voting rights to eligible adult citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President Raman Bhalla alleged that the Election Commission was acting at the behest of the central government and demanded the CEC’s removal. He said the opposition alliance would continue its campaign to safeguard voting rights.
National Conference leader and former minister Ajay Sadhotra alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and said the INDIA bloc would continue its agitation on electoral issues. NC Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta also criticised the Election Commission and called for reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Former minister and Jammu Urban District Congress Committee president Yogesh Sawhney accused the BJP of undermining the electoral system, while former minister Mula Ram alleged misuse of constitutional institutions and called for a united struggle to protect democratic rights.
PDP leaders Rajinder Manhas, Sat Pal Charak and Virinder Sonu also addressed the gathering, alleging that democratic processes were being compromised and asserting that the opposition’s campaign was aimed at protecting constitutional rights.
CPI(M) leaders Hari Singh, Kishore Kumar and Om Parkash criticised the Election Commission and the BJP-led government, while Jammu Rural Congress president Neeraj Kundan described the movement as a fight to safeguard democracy and voting rights.
Chief spokesperson of the JKPCC, Ravinder Sharma, read out Article 326 of the Constitution before the gathering.
A large number of leaders from the Congress, NC, PDP and CPI(M), including former legislators, district presidents and office-bearers of various frontal organisations, participated in the protests across the Union Territory.
