Ahmedabad, Oct 2026 : The Gujarat Congress on Thursday staged a demonstration in Ahmedabad, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over electoral processes, voting rights and the protection of democratic institutions.
The protest, held near the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Sarangpur area, was attended by Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, Ahmedabad city Congress president Sonal Patel, party leaders and workers. The demonstration was organised in solidarity with opposition parties protesting in Delhi over similar concerns.
Protesters raised slogans demanding Kumar’s removal, the restoration of ballot paper voting, protection of voting rights and safeguards for the Constitution and democratic values. A sit-in was also held as party workers called for greater accountability in the functioning of electoral institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Chavda described October 7 as 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 political leaders raising concerns about voting rights, constitutional principles and democratic processes should be allowed to express their views. Chavda also urged citizens to unite to protect constitutional and democratic rights.
The demonstration in Ahmedabad came amid three days of opposition protests in Delhi over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of failing to address their concerns and have demanded Kumar’s resignation. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations relating to the revision exercise.
On Thursday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted opposition MPs before they proceeded towards Rajghat for a protest programme. Unlike the previous two days, opposition MPs were permitted to reach Rajghat and stage a brief demonstration after restrictions had earlier been imposed on their movement.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several opposition leaders were detained while attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar. Opposition parties alleged that police obstructed their protest, while Delhi Police denied the allegations. Police also registered FIRs against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in connection with Wednesday’s demonstration.
The Election Commission had earlier stated that no political party had formally sought an appointment through authorised representatives by 4 p.m. on October 6. It subsequently received information from Delhi Police that a delegation led by Rahul Gandhi wanted to meet the Commission and submit a memorandum.
The protests have intensified the political confrontation between the opposition and the Election Commission over the electoral roll revision process and demands for greater transparency in election administration.
