Communist Party of India stages protest in New Delhi demanding Chief Election Commissioner resignation

NEW DELHI — The Communist Party of India (CPI) staged a human chain protest in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The demonstration, which stretched from the party headquarters at Ajay Bhavan along ITO Road, forms part of a wider opposition campaign led by the INDIA bloc. Opposition parties have intensified pressure following allegations that the Chief Election Commissioner sidelined objections raised by the other two election commissioners regarding the electoral roll revision process.

During the demonstration, CPI General Secretary D. Raja alleged that CEC Kumar was operating at the behest of the BJP-led central government. He stated that the party’s nationwide protests would persist until the demand for the CEC’s removal is met, confirming that CPI will join the INDIA bloc’s scheduled rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

CPI women’s wing leader Annie Raja echoed these remarks, asserting that agitations would continue until CEC Kumar steps down. CPI leader Prashant Majumdar also criticized the administration, questioning why the government continues to back an official who allegedly bypasses fellow election commissioners on critical decisions.

In response to the opposition’s allegations, the Election Commission of India stated in the Supreme Court on Monday that the decision regarding the Special Intensive Revision process was reached unanimously by the commission.

Meanwhile, the planned November 1 opposition rally at Ramlila Maidan has drawn concerns from local trade bodies. Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Traders and Industry, wrote to Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi requesting that the demonstration be rescheduled until after Diwali to prevent disruptions to the business community during the festive season.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi indicated that the Ramlila Maidan rally would be called off only if Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismisses the Chief Election Commissioner.