Manipur Congress Demands Removal of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Imphal: Congress workers swarmed Manipur on September 28 to demand the firing of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations hit multiple districts. Protesters targeted the Election Commission over its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

In Imphal East, members crowded the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Porompat. They hoisted placards reading “Save democracy, save EC” and “Our vote, our rights.” Congress vice-president Amin Shah led the charge for the party. He claimed the demonstrations were part of a wider nationwide movement. “The Congress wanted Kumar to be arrested and called for what he described as the protection of democratic institutions,” Shah stated.

Protests spilled into Imphal West as well. Workers gathered outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office at Lamphelpat, holding signs labeling Kumar an enemy of India. Thoubal saw more intense action. Demonstrators there torched an effigy of Kumar while shouting slogans against the BJP. The District Congress Committee also took to the streets at the Churachandpur district headquarters.

The Election Commission claims the electoral roll revision followed standard institutional process. The Congress disagrees. Tensions remain high as the party continues to challenge the integrity of the commission.