Tripura Congress Seva Dal staged a mass sit-in in Agartala demanding the resignation and arrest of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleging electoral malpractice, voter-list irregularities and threats to democratic rights.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Seva Dal on Thursday organised a mass sit-in demonstration in Agartala, demanding the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was organised over allegations of electoral malpractice, voter-list irregularities, suppression of democratic rights and concerns regarding the functioning of constitutional institutions. Gyanesh Kumar is currently serving as the Chief Election Commissioner of India, according to the Election Commission of India.
The demonstration was attended by senior Congress leaders, including Tripura Pradesh Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, MLAs Sudip Roy Barman and Gopal Chandra Roy, along with party workers and supporters. The programme formed part of the Congress campaign against the Election Commission and its handling of electoral matters.
Addressing the gathering, Asish Kumar Saha alleged that the democratic environment in Tripura had deteriorated since 2018. He claimed that voters had faced intimidation and obstruction during elections and alleged that some voters were prevented from reaching polling stations or exercising their franchise freely. Similar allegations were also raised by the Tripura Congress during an earlier protest in Agartala in September.
Saha further alleged that ruling party workers and other groups had interfered with polling through intimidation, violence, booth capturing and fraudulent voting. He claimed that such alleged irregularities had affected elections ranging from local and ADC polls to parliamentary elections. These claims were presented by Congress leaders at the protest and were not independently established by the demonstration itself.
The Congress also criticised Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha over his reported defence of the Chief Election Commissioner. Asish Kumar Saha questioned the position taken by the Chief Minister and alleged that the state government should instead ensure greater transparency and accountability in matters concerning elections.
Another major issue raised during the sit-in was the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. Congress leaders alleged that names of eligible voters had been removed while names of allegedly ineligible voters had been included. The party called for an independent examination of such complaints and greater transparency in the electoral-roll process.
The protest comes amid a wider political campaign by the Congress against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Congress units in several parts of the country have recently organised demonstrations demanding his resignation and raising allegations related to electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s functioning. The Election Commission, meanwhile, continues to operate as India’s constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
| Also Read: TRLM and Tata Trusts explore Rs. 15 cr livelihood partnership |
Congress leaders at the Agartala programme also raised broader concerns about unemployment, law and order, government employees’ salary-related issues and alleged corruption. They claimed that unemployed youth and other groups demanding their rights had faced administrative or police action during protests.
The party further questioned the legal protections available to election officials and called for mechanisms that, in its view, would ensure accountability in cases of alleged misuse of authority. Congress leaders said electoral institutions must remain transparent and accountable to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
| Also Read: Congress warns larger movement against ECI over democratic concerns |
The mass sit-in marks another stage in the Tripura Congress campaign against the Election Commission. Party leaders said they would continue their agitation and raise issues concerning electoral transparency, voter rights and institutional accountability.
