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Congress Calls Delhi Protest a Second Freedom Struggle
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal said opposition groups plan to protest in Delhi on October 12.
The protest concerns allegations of “vote chori” against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Venugopal says the protest is meant to protect people’s ability to vote and the country’s democracy.
He called it a “second freedom struggle.”
He said Congress, its INDIA bloc partners and young people would join.
Venugopal also alleged that people were being stopped from travelling and that raids were taking place.
He said many police and paramilitary personnel were being brought to Delhi.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the police action.
Venugopal said the protest would go ahead despite these measures.
K.C. Venugopal reaffirmed plans for an opposition protest in Delhi on October 12.
He described the planned mobilisation as a struggle to defend democracy and voting rights.
Venugopal said Congress, INDIA bloc partners and young people would participate over “vote chori” allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
He alleged authorities were obstructing travel, conducting raids and deploying police and paramilitary forces to prevent participation.
Jairam Ramesh condemned police action against protesters, while Venugopal said the opposition would continue its agitation.
- Who
- Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, Congress, INDIA bloc partners and young people; Jairam Ramesh also criticized police action.
- What
- An opposition protest over “vote chori” allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Where
- New Delhi; Venugopal spoke to reporters in Kannur.
- When
- Planned for October 12; Venugopal reaffirmed it on Sunday and said it would take place the next day.
- Why
- Venugopal said the mobilisation aims to defend democracy and citizens’ voting rights.
Congress and opposition claims
Government and authorities
Purpose and legitimacy of the protest
Congress and opposition claims
Venugopal describes the protest as a struggle to protect democracy and voting rights and accuses the Chief Election Commissioner of acting at the BJP government's behest.
Government and authorities
The articles provide no response from the Chief Election Commissioner, the BJP government or the authorities to these allegations.
Police action and barriers to participation
Congress and opposition claims
Venugopal alleges that police and paramilitary deployment, raids, travel obstacles and train cancellations are impeding the protest; Ramesh calls police action an assault on democratic foundations.
Government and authorities
The articles provide no official explanation or response concerning the alleged measures.
Key facts
- Protest date
- October 12
- Protest location
- New Delhi
- Main speaker
- K.C. Venugopal, Congress general secretary
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Stated purpose
- Defend democracy and voting rights
- Allegation prompting protest
- “Vote chori” allegations against the poll panel chief
- Additional Congress response
- Jairam Ramesh called police action an assault on democracy and an insult to the Constitution.
Quotes
K.C. Venugopal
Congress general secretary
“Even if all this is done, it won't fail. Tomorrow in Delhi, a more powerful struggle will be there. The opposition is united and standing together as a single unit.”
telegraphindia.com
deccanchronicle.com
“This is the most powerful struggle to protect democracy in the country. It is a struggle to maintain the voting rights of the voters of the country.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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