NEW DELHI: A group of social activists and student leaders on Wednesday called on people to join a protest at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti against the Election Commission’s functioning and to demand the “impeachment” of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.The group, which includes AISA president Neha Bora, advocate Prashant Bhushan and RJD MP Manoj Jha, said the protest would be held at 11am on October 2, news agency PTI reported.Addressing a press conference, the organisers raised concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging that it had raised questions over the protection of citizens’ voting rights.Bora, who had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar during the agitation led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak issue, said the organisers had informed Parliament Street police about the proposed gathering, including details of the expected turnout, timing and those responsible for organising the event.She alleged that protesters had earlier faced restrictions and detention while attempting to raise concerns over electoral issues, PTIe reported.A second AISA member said they had not received any “rejection” from the police yet.Bhushan alleged that several procedural irregularities had taken place during the electoral-roll revision process and claimed that decisions regarding the addition and deletion of voters had been centralised.Jha said the issue should not be viewed merely as a contest between the ruling party and the Opposition but as one concerning citizens’ rights.“This is not an issue of ruling versus opposition; it is a matter concerning the rights of the common people; rights that were summarily rejected,” Jha said.The speakers also called for greater accountability from the Election Commission and reiterated their demand for Kumar’s resignation, PTI reported.The proposed protest comes amid demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in Delhi over the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.The CJP has also announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2 over the issue.After being denied permission for the protest, it has now called for a “Jail Bharo Andolan”.The opposition INDIA bloc, which announced its protest plans on Wednesday, will hold “Save Democracy” marches in all districts from October 2 to 8.Demonstrations will be held outside district magistrates’ offices, where youth and NGOs will also be invited.The bloc has also announced a march by Parliamentarians to the Election Commission’s office in Delhi on October 6.(With agency inputs)
