Left parties, student and youth groups stage protest against CEC in Kalaburagi

Members of Left parties and student and youth organisations staged a protest at the railway station in Kalaburagi on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an end to what they termed the suppression of the right to protest.

The protest was organised jointly by the CPI(M), the CPI, the SUCI(C) and student and youth organisations. The protesters crossed the railway gate, marched on the platform and staged a sit-in there for about two hours.

There was a confrontation between the police and protesters during the agitation. The police attempted to disperse the students and youth, but the protesters continued their demonstration at the spot.

Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) district secretary K. Neela alleged that the BJP-led Union government was using the SIR exercise to deprive people of their voting rights. She claimed that more than 13 crore people had already been deprived of their right to vote and described the revision process as unconstitutional and detrimental to democracy.

Accusing the Union government of attempting to suppress protests through restrictions on train services and the deployment of security personnel, she said the demonstrators would not be deterred by police action.

CPI district secretary Mahesh Kumar Rathod alleged that the SIR process was unconstitutional and demanded its immediate withdrawal. He accused the Chief Election Commissioner of acting in favour of the BJP and said the organisations would intensify their agitation until their demands were met. He also called for an end to what he described as authoritarian rule by the Narendra Modi-led government.

SUCI(C) district leader Sharma criticised the alleged use of force against protesters and said attempts to suppress one’s right to dissent were unacceptable. Describing the situation as an undeclared Emergency, he called on people to join the movement to protect democracy.

DYFI State president Lavithra said the railway station had become a centre of protest despite restrictions on train services. He said the youth were prepared to continue their struggle, drawing inspiration from freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

SFI student leader Ganesh Rathod alleged that the SIR exercise was being used to undermine the future of students and youth and to facilitate the exploitation of the country’s resources. He said students would oppose any attempt to suppress democratic rights.

Anti_CEC_Protest_(1)Student leader Tuljaram and women’s organisation representative Radha also addressed the gathering.