Hyderabad, Oct. 7: The Youth Congress staged a midnight protest against the detention of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Vadra and other opposition leaders, while raising serious concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The protest was organised under the leadership of Telangana Youth Congress State General Secretary Almas Khan, following the recent Indian Express report highlighting differences and objections recorded among Election Commissioners regarding the functioning of the Election Commission and the SIR process.
Addressing the gathering, Almas Khan said that the forcible removal of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs from a peaceful protest was a serious concern for democratic freedoms.
“The Leader of Opposition was dragged away from a peaceful sit-in while raising legitimate questions about the electoral process. Is this how a democracy responds to dissent? Peaceful protest is our constitutional right.”
Khan alleged that the developments raise serious questions about the independence and credibility of electoral institutions and demanded immediate transparency and accountability.
Youth Congress Demands
1. Reconsider the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners and establish a transparent, independent selection mechanism.
2. Declare the present SIR process illegal if it is found to have violated statutory or constitutional safeguards, and ensure that no genuine voter is disenfranchised.
3. Order an independent investigation into the functioning of the Election Commission over the past ten years, including electoral-roll revisions and related decisions.
4. Investigate Gyanesh Kumar and all officials found responsible for any proven violations, with criminal action wherever warranted under law.
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take political responsibility for the issues surrounding the electoral process and step down if the government fails to ensure the independence and credibility of democratic institutions.
Almas Khan warned the BJP that the Youth Congress would continue documenting and questioning every action affecting the credibility of the electoral process.
“We will not remain silent spectators. Every action is being noted and every question will have to be answered. BJP, start counting the days — democratic accountability cannot be postponed indefinitely.”
The protest was attended by Youth Congress leaders, office-bearers and party workers, who raised slogans demanding electoral transparency, institutional accountability and protection of democratic rights.
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