‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’: Over 100 Detained in Ahmedabad as Youth and Opposition Protesters Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Massive protests erupted near MJ Library in Ahmedabad on Saturday evening as Congress, NSUI, SFI, left-wing outfits, and Gen Z youth poured onto the streets to demand the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration, which lasted from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, ended in a police crackdown with over 100 protesters forcefully detained and bundled into police vans.
The agitation in Ahmedabad forms part of a widening nationwide backlash against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and student bodies allege that the electoral roll modification drive compromises voter rights and undermines the transparency of India's election process.
High Drama Outside MJ Library as Slogans Echo
Heavy police personnel were deployed in and around the MJ Library area to block demonstrators as crowd numbers swelled. Protesters raised fierce slogans, including "Gyanesh Kumar, Istifa Do" (Gyanesh Kumar, resign), "Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod" (Vote thief, step down), and "Gyanesh Kumar Hatao, Lokshahi Bachao" (Remove Gyanesh Kumar, save democracy).
Key highlights of the Ahmedabad demonstration:
- Mass Detentions: Police physically lifted and bundled over 100 demonstrators into police vans as the turnout grew.
- Diverse Coalition: The protest brought together Congress leaders, NSUI, SFI, left-wing groups, independent students, and Gen Z youth.
- Timing and Location: Demonstrations continued for two and a half hours outside MJ Library, from 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm on Saturday.
- Tight Security: Authorities enforced strict police bandobast across the MJ Library precinct to restrict movement.
Part of Growing Nationwide Unrest Over Electoral Rolls
The Ahmedabad protest mirrors similar high-stakes demonstrations in Delhi, where police launched crackdowns and detained opposition leaders and activists demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal.
Concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and large-scale voter list modifications have sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, leading young voters and student organizations across the country to align with the national movement for electoral accountability.
