Congress Leaders Vow to Continue Protests Until Chief Election Commissioner Resigns

New Delhi, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : Rahul Gandhi was detained on Wednesday while en route to a protest at Jantar Mantar, where Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Alongside him, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also taken into custody but both were released shortly after by Delhi police.

Following their detention, Congress members expressed strong objections to the police’s actions. Many leaders emphasized their commitment to ongoing protests, insisting they would return daily to demand Kumar’s resignation.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao criticized the central government for allegedly using agencies like the ED, Income Tax, and CBI to secure electoral victories. He claimed that despite these efforts, the government struggled to win in states like Bihar, Bengal, and Maharashtra, now resorting to manipulating the Election Commission.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan remarked on the significance of Jantar Mantar as a space for peaceful protest, highlighting the increasing restrictions on opposition leaders. He condemned the police’s treatment of Gandhi and Vadra during their attempted protest.

Congress MP Kumari Shelja affirmed that Rahul Gandhi remains undeterred, pledging to carry the fight to its conclusion with the support of the entire party and the nation.

Pawan Khera, another Congress MP, declared their intention to return to the streets, stating, “Wherever they stop us, we will sit down. We will come back every day until Gyanesh Kumar resigns.”

Imran Pratapgarhi, another Congress leader, reported that police had resorted to force, attempting to silence democratic voices.

A senior Congress figure, Amar Singh, questioned the state of democracy in India, alleging that approximately 135 million votes had been invalidated, which he claimed was part of a broader pattern leading up to the 2024 elections.

KC Venugopal, another Congress MP, dismissed concerns about repeated detentions and FIRs against them, asserting their commitment to the movement until Gyanesh Kumar is removed and the electoral system is reformed.

Imran Masood condemned the police’s aggressive tactics, stating that they would not tolerate violence against party workers. He accused the police of behaving like thugs in their treatment of Gandhi and Vadra.

This ongoing situation highlights the escalating tensions between the Congress party and the central government regarding electoral integrity and democratic rights.