‘People Must Choose Their Government’: CJP Backs INDIA Bloc Rally, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation Over SIR

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has extended its support to the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party said Kumar had lost the trust required to oversee free and fair elections and called for greater accountability from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In its statement, the CJP argued that the electoral roll revision exercise had raised concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters. It said protecting citizens’ voting rights was essential to maintaining public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

“The fundamental principle of democracy is that people get to choose their government, not that the government gets to choose its voters,” the party said, criticising what it described as the risk of eligible voters being removed from electoral rolls. Jairam Ramesh Announces INDIA Bloc's 'public Impeachment' Programme Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on October 30.

CJP Questions Gyanesh Kumar’s Role in Free and Fair Elections

The CJP said the Election Commission had a constitutional responsibility to protect every eligible citizen’s right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education or economic background. Invoking the democratic principles associated with Dr BR Ambedkar and the framing of the Indian Constitution, the party argued that universal adult suffrage was intended to give every citizen an equal voice in choosing the government.

It said democratic institutions should work to expand citizens’ participation in the electoral process rather than create barriers to voting. The party also pledged support for organisations campaigning for free and fair elections, concluding its statement with the slogan “Jai Bhim. Jai Hind.”

The CJP’s statement adds to the growing opposition campaign demanding Kumar’s resignation. The party and opposition leaders have raised concerns about the SIR exercise and its potential impact on eligible voters. These remain allegations and concerns raised by critics, rather than established findings of electoral wrongdoing. "Gyanesh Kumar Should Resign”: Left Parties Holds Human Chain Protest in Delhi, Demands Cancellation of SIR.

INDIA Bloc to Hold November 1 Rally in Delhi

The CJP’s support comes as the INDIA bloc prepares to intensify its campaign against Kumar. The opposition alliance has scheduled a rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1, with the demand for the CEC’s resignation and concerns over alleged electoral irregularities expected to be central issues.

The Congress has described the campaign as part of its broader “Vote Chori” and “Vote Bachao Desh Bachao” initiatives, arguing that transparency in electoral rolls and the protection of voting rights are essential to a credible electoral process.

The alliance has also planned a “public impeachment” programme against Kumar on October 30 at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s official residence at 10, Rajaji Marg, after the party said it faced difficulties securing permission for other venues. The programme is intended to precede the November 1 rally.

Election Commission Faces Scrutiny Over SIR

The controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision has also reached the Supreme Court, where petitions have raised questions about the Election Commission’s decision-making and certain changes linked to the revision process. In an affidavit filed before the court, the CEC and the two Election Commissioners said they had acted unanimously in issuing orders to conduct the SIR in states and Union Territories. The dispute over the Commission’s internal functioning and the revision exercise remains under judicial scrutiny.

The Election Commission’s position and the opposition’s allegations form the backdrop to the November 1 mobilisation. The CJP’s endorsement adds to the political pressure on Kumar as opposition parties seek to make electoral transparency and voter rights the focus of their campaign.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 07:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).