Ahmedabad, Oct 8 — The Gujarat Congress on Thursday held a demonstration in Ahmedabad, seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and expressing concerns over electoral processes and democratic institutions, in line with protests being held by opposition parties in Delhi.
The protest was organised near the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Sarangpur area. It was attended by Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, Ahmedabad city Congress president Sonal Patel, and other party leaders and workers.
Protesters raised slogans seeking Kumar's removal, protection of voting rights, conduct of elections through ballot papers, and safeguarding of the Constitution and democratic values. A sit-in protest was also organised during the demonstration.
Addressing the gathering, Chavda termed October 7 a "black day" and expressed concern over the action taken against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the ongoing protests in the national capital.
He said leaders who were raising issues related to voting rights, constitutional values and democratic processes should be allowed to voice their concerns, and called on citizens to come together to protect democratic and constitutional rights.
The protest came as opposition parties continued demonstrations in Delhi over the past three days.
On Thursday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted opposition MPs before they proceeded towards Rajghat for a protest programme.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several opposition leaders were detained while attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar. The opposition alleged that police prevented their protest, while Delhi Police denied the allegations.
Police also registered FIRs against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in connection with Wednesday's protest.
Opposition parties have been demanding Kumar's resignation over concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations regarding the exercise.
Earlier, the Election Commission stated that no political party had formally sought an appointment with it through authorised representatives by 4 p.m. on October 6. It later received information from Delhi Police that a delegation led by Rahul Gandhi wanted to meet the Commission and submit a memorandum.
On Thursday, opposition MPs were allowed to reach Rajghat and hold a brief demonstration after restrictions on their movement during the previous two days.