Congress stages protest in Hubballi seeking resignation of Chief Election Commissioner

Congress workers staged a protest rally in Hubballi on October 11, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral malpractice and attempts to undermine democracy.

The rally was organised by the Vidyanagar and Unkal block Congress committees under the leadership of Rajat Ullagaddimath, Chairperson of the Hubballi-Dharwad City District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority. It began at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle, where the protesters read out Article 326 of the Constitution, which provides for elections based on adult suffrage.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ullagaddimath alleged that the RSS is conspiring to deprive oppressed and marginalised communities of their right to vote. Describing the struggle to protect democracy and the Constitution as a ‘second freedom struggle’ against what he termed fascist forces, he called for concerted action to safeguard electoral rights.

Hundreds of Congress workers accused the BJP-led Union Government of attempting to manipulate the votes of Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities. They raised slogans against the Centre and demanded Mr. Kumar’s resignation.

Tension prevailed when the rally reached the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation office. Protesters allegedly attempted to burn portraits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Mr. Kumar, triggering a scuffle between the police and the demonstrators. The police, subsequently, detained several protesters.

Hubballi-Dharwad District Congress president Sadanand Danganavar, I.G. Sanadi, KPCC member Satish Meharwade, Shahzaman Mujahid, Anwar Mudgol, Mohammed Sharif Gargad, and several councillors and party functionaries participated in the protest.