- CJP invites parties for October 10 protest.
- AAP, Left confirm joining anti-CEC agitation.
- Congress distances itself, plans separate protest.
The Cockroach Janta Party has invited all parties to join their protest on Saturday, October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. While Left parties, such as the Communist Party of India and the Aam Aadmi Party, have accepted the invitation, Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress has not yet confirmed its participation. Meanwhile, the Congress party is keeping its distance, as Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to attend the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” event in Chennai today.
According to a Congress functionary, the Rahul Gandhi-led party is not joining the agitation. “The Congress party is already conducting a national agitation for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and against SIR, and we will further strengthen our agitation,” the member added.
Additionally, the Congress has announced a 'Jan andolan' mobilisation in Delhi on October 12 and urged its allies to join the protest. Rahul Gandhi, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process,
Meanwhile, several INDIA bloc members, including the TMC, SP, Left, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SP, have extended their support to the CJP agitation, and leaders of some of these parties plan to join the CJP activists in agitation.
How Did Mamata React To The Protest
Before leaving for Delhi on Friday, Mamata Banerjee told reporters that she may join the October 10 protest; however, nothing is confirmed yet. The former Bengal Chief Minister remarked, "I may join the protest at Jantar Mantar scheduled for October 10, but nothing can be confirmed now. We have maintained a relationship with them (the CJP) and have extended our support, while any further decision regarding our participation will be taken later."
‘It’s Not About A Party, But The Nation’
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal, said he will be joining the CJP protest on Friday, along with his family. “I appeal to everyone, to the people of the entire country, to gather at Jantar Mantar in maximum numbers. This is not about one person or party; it is about the nation," he said.
“Whoever does not vote for BJP has their vote deleted, fake votes are added, and all this was happening openly under Gyanesh Kumar. The entire country is demanding his resignation," he said.
The October 10 protest
The CJP and student groups have called the October 10 protest, demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The organisers of the agitation have also raised concerns linked to alleged electoral irregularities and demanded changes to the election process.