AGARTALA The Tripura chapter of the India Bloc has announced plans to stage a major protest in Agartala on October 30. The demonstration will press for four key demands, including the cancellation of the SIR process and the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The announcement was made by CPIM State Secretary Jitendra Chowdhury and Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashish Kumar Saha during a joint press conference held at the Agartala Press Club.
Key Highlights of the Protest Plan
- Date: October 30
- Gathering Point: Orient Chowmuhani
- Destination: March to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura to submit a formal memorandum.
Four-Point Demands Raised by India Bloc
- Removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Cancellation of the SIR process.
- Review and repeal of relevant laws to protect the impartiality of the Election Commission and democratic structures.
- Opposition to provisions providing legal protection to the Chief Election Commissioner.
Statements from Leaders
CPIM State Secretary Jitendra Chowdhury
- Weakening Electoral Systems: Chowdhury alleged that the BJP-led central government is actively attempting to weaken the country’s constitutional framework and electoral system.
- Impartiality Concerns: He questioned the neutrality of the Election Commission, expressing deep fear that the electoral process is being manipulated to favor the ruling party.
Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashish Kumar Saha
- EC Functioning: Saha claimed that crucial decisions are being made by bypassing the other two election commissioners under Gyanesh Kumar’s leadership. He also noted that Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Rahul Gandhi has made vital documents regarding voter lists public.
- Voter Rights & SIR Process: He alleged that the SIR process is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise opposition supporters by altering traditional voter registration methods and introducing new forms that favor the ruling party.
- Appeal to Citizens: Emphasizing that the movement transcends party politics, Saha called upon non-bloc political parties and citizens dedicated to democracy to join the fight. He accused the ruling party of using money and muscle power to distort election outcomes, declaring the protest to be a long-term defense of the Constitution.
