KC Venugopal Calls October 12 Delhi Protest a ‘Second Freedom Struggle’ to Defend Democracy
Congress leader says INDIA bloc parties and young people will protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of vote theft
Kannur: Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal has reaffirmed that the Opposition will go ahead with a major protest in New Delhi on October 12 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing the agitation as a “second freedom struggle” to protect democracy and voting rights.
Speaking to reporters in Kannur on Sunday, Venugopal said the Congress, its INDIA bloc allies and young people from across the country would participate in the demonstration over allegations of “vote chori”, or vote theft, raised by the Opposition against the Election Commission.
Venugopal alleged that attempts were being made to prevent party workers from reaching Delhi and that raids were being conducted at locations where they were staying.
He said such measures would not stop the planned demonstration, asserting that Opposition parties remained united and would continue their campaign.
Describing the protest as a movement to safeguard democratic rights, Venugopal said the right to vote was fundamental to citizens in a democracy. He alleged that the country’s democratic institutions were being undermined and accused the Chief Election Commissioner of acting in favour of the BJP led government.
The Congress leader also claimed that large numbers of police and paramilitary personnel were being deployed in Delhi to prevent people from participating in the agitation. He questioned the need for such security arrangements and alleged that restrictions were affecting ordinary citizens.
Referring to the detention of Opposition leaders during an earlier protest, Venugopal criticised the police action and alleged that some leaders had been handled inappropriately. He also claimed that raids at hostels and private residences, along with disruptions to train services, had affected people travelling to the national capital.
The October 12 mobilisation is part of the Opposition’s wider campaign against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and its demand for accountability from the Election Commission. The allegations of deliberate electoral manipulation remain disputed.
Venugopal maintained that the Opposition would continue its agitation, saying the protest was intended to defend voting rights and democratic principles.