Malappuram: Thousands took part in a night march organised by the CPI(M) district committee in Kerala's Malappuram on Monday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged denial of voting rights to crores of citizens. The march also expressed solidarity with the protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Participants carried torches, placards, banners and party flags, and raised slogans against Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They accused the CEC of acting in the interests of the Sangh Parivar.
Traditional art performances and slogans of "Azadi" were also part of the march.
Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) leader Vijayaraghavan alleged that communalism was growing under the BJP government and that the Election Commission of India was undermining democracy under the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He claimed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had deprived nearly 13 crore people of their voting rights.
"Universal adult suffrage is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, and an attempt is being made to take it away," Vijayaraghavan said. He added that around 50,000 police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed in Delhi to handle the protest.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a special revision of electoral rolls. The Opposition alleges that a large number of voters were struck off during the process. Marches like this one are being held across Kerala to show solidarity with the Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi.
Traditional art performances featured in the march, and participants carried placards opposing the alleged denial of voting rights. The CPI(M) said similar campaigns will continue across the state. Marches like this one are being held in different parts of Kerala to show solidarity with the protests in Delhi.
He also alleged that minorities were being suppressed under BJP rule.