Students and Youth Protest in Almora to Safeguard Democracy; Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner and Cancellation of SIR
Students and Youth Protest in Almora to Safeguard Democracy; Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner and Cancellation of SIR
Almora, Oct 14
A protest demonstration was held under the banner of the Uttarakhand Student Organization, demanding the protection of democracy, citizens’ voting rights, and transparency in the electoral process at Gandhi Park, Choughanpata,today. Students, youth, social activists, lawyers, and representatives from various organizations participated in the event. Protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, and accountability from the Election Commission. The protest concluded with the burning of an effigy of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Initiating the protest, P.C. Tiwari, Convener of the Uttarakhand Parivartan Party, alleged that the Modi government is undermining the democratic system and constitutional norms, and that voices of dissent are being suppressed. He expressed apprehension that the SIR process could lead to a large number of citizens being deprived of their voting rights. He demanded the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner from office and the filing of cases against those responsible for irregularities in the process. He emphasized that citizens across the country must unite to protect democratic rights.
Jagdish Joshi, President of the Almora Plus Club, expressed indignation over the suppression of citizens’ voices and alleged mistreatment of media personnel. Meanwhile, Sita Chamyal, the newly elected Joint Secretary of Soban Singh Jeena University, voiced concerns regarding issues in the education system, unemployment, and the future of the youth, stating that young people would not tolerate the suppression of democratic rights.
During the protest, which lasted nearly three hours, dissent was expressed through people’s songs, poetry, rap songs, and slogans. Speakers demanded the independence of the Election Commission, reforms in the appointment process of Election Commissioners, and ensured transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He stated that safeguarding the voting rights of every eligible citizen and ensuring the impartiality of constitutional institutions are essential for strengthening democracy.
Many individuals participated in the demonstration, including senior advocates Govind Lal Verma, Anandi Verma, Kiran Arya, Mohammad Wasim, and Mohammad Sakib; statehood movement activist Ramesh Joshi; and social activists Ashish Joshi and Heera Kohli. The event was conducted by activists from the Uttarakhand Student Organization. At the conclusion, the attendees pledged to continue a peaceful and democratic struggle to protect the Constitution, democracy, and civil rights.
Sita Chamyal (Joint Secretary, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora), P.C. Tiwari (Convener, Uttarakhand Parivartan Party), Soni Mehra, Vikas Rameshanandi, Surendra Dhami, Ashish Banaula, and others shared their views during the event.
