Hyderabad: The Youth Congress staged a midnight protest over the detention of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders. The protesters also raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Telangana Youth Congress State General Secretary Almas Khan led the demonstration. Youth Congress leaders, office-bearers and party workers joined the protest. The protesters raised slogans demanding electoral transparency. They also sought institutional accountability and protection of democratic rights.
The protest followed a recent Indian Express report on differences and objections among Election Commissioners. The report raised questions about the Election Commission’s functioning and the SIR process.
Almas Khan criticised the removal of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs from a peaceful protest. He called the incident a serious concern for democratic freedoms.
“The Leader of Opposition was dragged away from a peaceful sit-in while raising legitimate questions about the electoral process. Is this how a democracy responds to dissent? Peaceful protest is our constitutional right.”
Youth Congress protest seeks changes to election process
The Youth Congress protest also sought changes in the system governing election institutions. Khan demanded a review of the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. He called for a transparent and independent selection process.
The Youth Congress demanded that authorities declare the current SIR illegal if it violated statutory or constitutional safeguards. Khan also demanded steps to ensure that no genuine voter lost voting rights.
The organisation called for an independent investigation into the Election Commission’s functioning over the past 10 years. The proposed inquiry would examine electoral-roll revisions and related decisions.
Khan demanded an investigation into Gyanesh Kumar and other officials who committed proven violations. He also sought criminal action where investigations established violations.
The Youth Congress further called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept political responsibility. Khan said Modi should step down if the government failed to protect the independence and credibility of democratic institutions.
Khan said the Youth Congress would continue documenting actions that, according to the organisation, affected confidence in the electoral process. He also said the organisation would continue questioning those actions.
“We will not remain silent spectators. Every action is being noted and every question will have to be answered. BJP, start counting the days — democratic accountability cannot be postponed indefinitely.”
The protesters reiterated their demands for electoral transparency. They also sought stronger institutional accountability. The midnight demonstration ended with slogans supporting democratic rights and scrutiny of the electoral process.