The Congress party has called for nationwide protests on Thursday, October 8, and declared October 7 a "Black Day for Indian Democracy", escalating its confrontation with the Election Commission after the detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc leaders.
In a letter dated October 7, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal directed Pradesh Congress Committees, district and block units to organise protests at the state, district and block or mandal levels on Thursday.
Second detention in 24 hours
The call follows the detention of the opposition leaders for the second time in 24 hours during their protest over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. PTI visuals showed Rahul Gandhi being forcibly removed from the protest site and put inside a bus by Delhi Police.
The Congress alleged that Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, senior leaders and other INDIA bloc MPs were manhandled and lathi-charged, with some sustaining injuries. The party said it would continue its campaign until Gyanesh Kumar is removed from office and what it described as the integrity of the electoral system is restored.
The Congress leadership has also asked its MPs to remain in Delhi on October 8, signalling that the opposition intends to maintain pressure on the poll panel. Rahul Gandhi said the protest would continue until the Chief Election Commissioner resigns.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the allegations of wrongdoing, while the opposition has continued to demand greater accountability from the poll panel.
Sources:
- Congress calls for nationwide protests on October 8 — NDTV Profit
In a letter dated October 7, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal directed Pradesh Congress Committees, district and block units to organise protests at the state, district and block or mandal levels on Thursday.
Second detention in 24 hours
The call follows the detention of the opposition leaders for the second time in 24 hours during their protest over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. PTI visuals showed Rahul Gandhi being forcibly removed from the protest site and put inside a bus by Delhi Police.
The Congress alleged that Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, senior leaders and other INDIA bloc MPs were manhandled and lathi-charged, with some sustaining injuries. The party said it would continue its campaign until Gyanesh Kumar is removed from office and what it described as the integrity of the electoral system is restored.
The Congress leadership has also asked its MPs to remain in Delhi on October 8, signalling that the opposition intends to maintain pressure on the poll panel. Rahul Gandhi said the protest would continue until the Chief Election Commissioner resigns.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the allegations of wrongdoing, while the opposition has continued to demand greater accountability from the poll panel.
Sources:
- Congress calls for nationwide protests on October 8 — NDTV Profit
