Gyanu must go: CJP backs INDIA bloc's Nov 1 rally seeking Gyanesh Kumar's exit

The CJP has backed the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The campaign raises concerns over electoral roll revisions, voter exclusions and institutional accountability.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has extended its support to the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, calling for his resignation and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In a statement, the CJP said Kumar had lost the trust required to oversee free and fair elections and argued that his resignation was necessary to restore the credibility and independence of the Election Commission.

"The fundamental principle of democracy is that people get to choose their government, not that the government gets to choose its voters," the party said, alleging that the SIR exercise had undermined this principle.

The CJP also expressed concern over the removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls, saying the exercise had raised fears of exclusion rather than making it easier for citizens to exercise their voting rights.

CJP INVOKES AMBEDKAR'S VISION OF DEMOCRACY

The CJP invoked the role of Dr BR Ambedkar in framing the Constitution, arguing that every adult citizen received an equal right to vote regardless of caste, religion, gender, education or economic background.

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

"Democracy could only succeed when every citizen had an equal say in deciding the country's future," the CJP said, adding that the principle was to bring more citizens into democracy rather than exclude them.

The party argued that every government and constitutional institution must protect citizens' equal political voice, irrespective of their social or economic standing. It said the Election Commission's responsibility was to protect every eligible citizen's right to vote, not create obstacles to exercising it.

The CJP also pledged to support organisations fighting for free and fair elections in the country, concluding its statement with "Jai Bhim. Jai Hind."

INDIA BLOC SHIFTS OCT 30 EVENT TO KHARGE'S HOME

The INDIA bloc will hold its planned "public impeachment" of CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's official residence in New Delhi on October 30, after the opposition alleged that it was denied permission to organise the event at the Ashok Hotel and Ramlila Maidan.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the opposition alliance would hold the event at 10, Rajaji Marg, at 3.30 pm.

"The CEC has demonstrably violated the letter and spirit of the Constitution. He has systematically subverted the very foundations of our electoral democracy. He has, to put it bluntly, lied to the Supreme Court," Ramesh said in a post on X.

He further alleged that Kumar had acted on behalf of the ruling leadership, adding, "He has been the willing executioner on behalf of the Diabolical Duo whose turn will come next."

The Congress has accused the government of attempting to silence criticism after allegedly blocking its efforts to organise the event at multiple venues.

CONGRESS ALLEGES POLICE INTERVENTION OVER VENUES

On Tuesday, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal alleged that the government-run Ashok Hotel initially granted permission for the event but withdrew it following police intervention.

Venugopal said the party had subsequently booked Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3 and decided to move the programme there. However, he alleged that police stopped party workers from setting up the infrastructure for the event.

He visited the Ramlila grounds on Tuesday, accompanied by Delhi Congress leaders, to oversee preparations for the November 1 rally.

"The day before yesterday, our people came to construct the infrastructure here and the police stopped them. We don't know what the reason is," Venugopal said.

He alleged that the decision came from the Centre rather than the Delhi Police, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of protecting Kumar.

"First they destroy the electoral system, and now they are trying all kinds of tricks to silence those who fight to save our democracy," Venugopal said in a post on X.

He added that the Congress would continue its protest until Kumar was removed. Venugopal also warned that if the party was stopped at Ramlila Maidan, its members would stage a dharna outside Amit Shah's or PM Modi's residence.

"But we will fight to the finish, and until our mission is accomplished," he said.

Venugopal also accused the government of trying to shut down criticism, asking Amit Shah how many permissions the authorities would deny and how many people they would stop.

INDIA bloc plans November 1 rally over 'vote chori'

The October 30 programme was planned as a curtain-raiser for the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital. According to Venugopal, 21 opposition parties had planned to participate in the programme against alleged electoral irregularities and the "vote chori" charge.

The November 1 rally forms part of a broader series of protests by the Congress and other opposition parties demanding Kumar's resignation over the SIR exercise and alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

Congress MP Pawan Khera said Delhi Congress leaders were preparing for the rally and that Venugopal would provide further instructions during his visit.

"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.

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

Venugopal reiterated that the Congress would not give in to pressure and would proceed with its programme, while the opposition continued to raise concerns over electoral rolls and alleged irregularities.

The CJP's backing adds another voice to the opposition's campaign, which centres on demands for accountability from the Election Commission and the protection of eligible voters' rights.