Ranchi: The Jharkhand units of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), RJD and CPI(ML) are gearing up for agitation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar following allegations, including that he overlooked two Election Commissioners in decision-making.CJP’s state unit on Friday said it would launch extensive public protests across towns and villages if its central leadership’s demand for the CEC’s resignation within 48 hours was not met.Addressing reporters, CJP member Ishan Jha alleged that questions had been raised during the last few elections over the victory of a single party. He said the recent allegations against the CEC confirmed doubts that he had played with the democratic system and the people’s verdict.State coordinator Moin Khan said, “Officers involved in manipulating votes and murdering democracy should be declared as anti-national and strict action be taken against them.”State in-charge of the women’s cell Khusboo Handsa said a large number of women were being mobilised to join the agitation.CJP functionaries said the 48-hour deadline for the CEC’s resignation would expire on Saturday, after which protests would be held as directed by the central leadership.RJD spokesperson Kailash Yadav said the party would organise protests and effigy-burning programmes across the state on Saturday. CPI(ML) state secretary Manoj Bhakt said his party would hold a week-long agitation demanding the CEC’s arrest.
