Gyanu must go: CJP backs INDIA bloc's Nov 1 rally seeking Gyanesh Kumar's exit

The CJP has backed the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The campaign raises concerns over electoral roll revisions, voter exclusions and institutional accountability.The CJP has backed the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.New Delhi,Oct 28, 2026 19:05 ISTThe Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has backed the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, accusing the poll body’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of undermining electoral democracy and raising concerns over the exclusion of eligible voters.Declaring “Gyanu must go”, the party said Kumar had lost the trust required to oversee free and fair elections and called for the Election Commission’s credibility and independence to be restored.In a statement, the CJP said the fundamental principle of democracy was that people chose their government, not the other way around. It argued that the SIR exercise had undermined this principle by raising concerns over the removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls.“The fundamental principle of democracy is that people get to choose their government, not that the government gets to choose its voters,” the party said, adding that Kumar’s resignation was necessary to restore public trust in the Election Commission.CJP INVOKES AMBEDKAR’S VISION OF DEMOCRACYThe CJP invoked the role of Dr BR Ambedkar in framing the Constitution, arguing that every adult citizen received an equal right to vote regardless of caste, religion, gender, education or economic background.The party said Ambedkar, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and other makers of the Constitution placed their faith in the people at a time when millions of Indians had never participated in an election.“Democracy could only succeed when every citizen had an equal say in deciding the country’s future,” the CJP said, adding that the principle was to bring more citizens into democracy rather than exclude them.The party argued that every government and constitutional institution must protect citizens’ equal political voice, irrespective of their social or economic standing. It said the Election Commission’s responsibility was to protect every eligible citizen’s right to vote, not create obstacles to exercising it.The CJP also pledged to support organisations fighting for free and fair elections in the country, concluding its statement with “Jai Bhim. Jai Hind.”‘PUBLIC IMPEACHMENT’ EVENT SHIFTED TO KHARGE’S HOMEThe CJP’s endorsement comes as the INDIA bloc prepares for its November 1 rally against Kumar. The opposition alliance has also planned a “public impeachment” event against the CEC on October 30, which it will hold at the official residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after allegedly facing permission hurdles at other venues.Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the event would take place at 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, at 3.30 pm.Ramesh accused Kumar of violating the Constitution and undermining electoral democracy.“The CEC has demonstrably violated the letter and spirit of the Constitution. He has systematically subverted the very foundations of our electoral democracy. He has, to put it bluntly, lied to the Supreme Court,” Ramesh said in a post on X.He further accused Kumar of acting on behalf of the ruling leadership, saying, “He has been the willing executioner on behalf of the Diabolical Duo whose turn will come next.”The Congress has alleged that authorities denied it permission to organise the event at the Ashok Hotel and Ramlila Maidan, prompting the party to shift the programme to Kharge’s residence.INDIA BLOC RALLY TO FOCUS ON ‘VOTE CHORI’ The October 30 programme was planned as a curtain-raiser for the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital. Venugopal said 21 opposition parties had planned to participate in the event against alleged electoral irregularities and the opposition’s “vote chori” charge.The Congress and other opposition parties have been demanding Kumar’s resignation over the SIR exercise and alleged irregularities in the electoral process. The planned rally forms part of their broader campaign seeking accountability from the Election Commission.Congress MP Pawan Khera said Delhi Congress leaders were preparing for the rally and that Venugopal would provide further instructions during his visit.“The entire Delhi leadership is here right now to make arrangements for the rally. Venugopal ji is coming here, after which he will give everyone instructions. Preparations are being made accordingly,” Khera told ANI.He added that the programme would involve INDIA bloc parties and participants from across the country.Venugopal reiterated that the Congress would not succumb to pressure and would proceed with its programme. He also accused the government of attempting to prevent the opposition from raising concerns about electoral rolls and alleged irregularities.With the CJP now extending its support, the INDIA bloc’s campaign continues to centre on Kumar’s resignation, the SIR exercise and allegations that electoral processes have undermined eligible voters’ rights.- Ends