Protests in Dehradun and Haldwani over alleged voter-list irregularities; Congress leaders call for transparency and accountability in the electoral process
Dehradun/Haldwani: The Congress and its INDIA bloc allies staged protests in Dehradun and Haldwani against the Election Commission, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding greater transparency in the electoral process. Protesters called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and opposed the action sought against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Joint March from Gandhi Park to Clock Tower in Dehradun
In Dehradun, leaders and workers of the Congress, INDIA bloc partner parties and civil society organisations took out a joint march from Gandhi Park to the Clock Tower. Protesters raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and burned his effigy at the Clock Tower.
The march later culminated in a gathering in front of the statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar. Traffic was briefly affected during the demonstration.
CPI state secretary Indresh Maikhuri called for a review of names allegedly removed from electoral rolls and urged authorities to ensure that eligible voters were included in the lists. He also stressed the need for accountability in matters concerning the electoral process.
Dhasmana Seeks Action Against Chief Election Commissioner
Uttarakhand Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana alleged that democratic institutions, constitutional principles and citizens’ voting rights were under threat. He accused the Election Commission of undermining voters’ rights and demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s removal from office and the registration of a case against him.
Dhasmana said the INDIA bloc would continue its protests until accountability was established and the voting rights of every citizen were safeguarded.
Congress leaders described the campaign as a movement for transparency and accountability, insisting that concerns related to electoral rolls must be addressed satisfactorily.
‘Save Vote, Save Country, Save Democracy’ March in Haldwani
In Haldwani, Congress workers organised a public awareness march under the slogan ‘Save Vote, Save Country, Save Democracy’. Led by Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh, the march began at Budh Park and proceeded to the SDM Court, drawing hundreds of party workers.
Protesters raised slogans against the central government and the Election Commission, demanding transparency in electoral rolls, an investigation into allegations of vote manipulation and safeguards for voters’ rights.
Sumit Hridayesh Raises Questions Over Electoral Fairness
Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh said concerns about the electoral process needed to be addressed and stressed that protecting voters’ rights was essential to democracy.
He alleged that attempts were being made to weaken democratic institutions through vote manipulation. According to Hridayesh, free and fair elections are fundamental to democracy, and doubts over the credibility of votes can undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
He said the Congress would continue its campaign for transparency in voter lists and the electoral process.
Electoral Transparency Becomes Focus of Political Confrontation
The demonstrations in Dehradun and Haldwani have brought electoral-roll transparency and the fairness of elections into sharper political focus in Uttarakhand. Congress and its INDIA bloc allies have raised demands ranging from the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner to a review of voter lists.
The allegations and demands made during the protests represent the opposition parties’ position. Further developments will depend on the Election Commission’s response and any steps taken to address the concerns raised over electoral rolls and the electoral process.
