Congress workers in Assam seized Gaurav Gogoi during a march aimed at the Election Commission office, while police in Patna turned on water cannons to disperse a crowd that had been chanting for the CEC’s resignation. The Delhi protest saw party leaders smash barricades and attempt a direct walk to the EC headquarters, only to be stopped by a swarm of officers.
The rally was part of a coordinated national campaign announced by the Congress on Thursday, urging state units to protest on 25 September. The party’s frustration stems from an Indian Express report that highlighted at least fourteen documented objections by senior EC officials to decisions made under Gyanesh Kumar’s tenure, including the controversial SIR roll changes and the handling of voter registrations.
In a press conference, Rahul Gandhi called Kumar a “traitor” and warned the government that democracy could be “destroyed” if the CEC remained in office. The EC’s spokesperson defended the commission’s actions, stating that all orders are legally sanctioned and that differing views are normal in deliberations.
Sonia Sharma, a 30‑year‑old mother of two from Patna, told reporters that the protest was “for the sake of our children’s future.” Her testimony echoes a growing sentiment among ordinary voters that the integrity of elections is at stake.
With the general elections slated for next year, the government has announced it will review the commission’s decisions. Lawmakers convene a parliamentary debate on the EC’s conduct next week, setting the stage for a potential inquiry into the commission’s internal disagreements.
The outcome of that debate could either reinforce the current EC leadership or trigger a reshuffle, underscoring the high stakes of India’s democratic process before the next election cycle.