Hyderabad: CPI State Secretary and MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao on Tuesday demanded the protection of voting rights and the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He accused the BJP-led Union government of weakening constitutional institutions and undermining democratic safeguards to retain political power.
Addressing a press conference at Makhdoom Bhavan in Hyderabad, Kunamneni demanded an explanation from the Centre over allegations of eligible voters’ names disappearing from electoral rolls.
He said the Election Commission had a constitutional responsibility to safeguard every citizen’s voting rights and ensure fairness in electoral procedures. Kunamneni criticised the nationwide electoral roll revision exercise, alleging that it had resulted in the removal of eligible voters.
He said the exercise, initially intended to prevent the illegal inclusion of foreigners in voter lists, had expanded across the country. However, he alleged that the process had created circumstances in which legitimate voters faced exclusion from electoral rolls.
He insisted that election authorities must issue notices to individuals before removing their names from voter lists. Additionally, he demanded that affected voters receive an opportunity to explain their position and contest proposed deletions.
Kunamneni described large-scale voter deletions without proper inquiry as unjust and contrary to democratic principles. He stressed that the protection of voting rights applied equally to citizens regardless of their economic or social status.
According to him, the vote of a rickshaw puller or sanitation worker carried the same value as that of a wealthy individual. Therefore, he argued that the Election Commission must protect every eligible citizen’s franchise without discrimination.
He also demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arguing that the step was necessary to restore public confidence.
Kunamneni opposes restrictions on Jantar Mantar protests
The CPI leader also objected to restrictions on public demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. He described the venue as an important platform for citizens seeking to raise grievances and express their concerns.
Kunamneni maintained that restricting peaceful protests undermined democratic rights and prevented people from expressing dissent. He also criticised the government for allegedly adopting coercive measures instead of examining public grievances and addressing their causes.
Furthermore, he urged the judiciary to intervene and safeguard constitutional freedoms, including the right to protest. He argued that democratic institutions had a responsibility to uphold citizens’ rights rather than restrict their exercise.
CPI demands drought relief for farmers in Telangana
Kunamneni also expressed concern over drought conditions affecting several parts of Telangana. He said authorities had already declared 315 mandals drought-affected, highlighting the difficulties confronting the agricultural sector.
Consequently, he demanded that the State government implement relief measures for farmers in the affected areas. The CPI leader called for action to address the problems faced by agricultural communities amid the prevailing drought conditions.
Telangana State Rythu Sangham General Secretary Pashya Padma also attended the press conference. AITUC senior leader V.S. Bose, RTC Employees Union State President S. Babu and Treasurer Prasad Reddy were also present.