Gujarat Congress Intensifies SIR Protest on Second Day in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD : Gujarat Congress intensified its protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on the second consecutive day on Tuesday, with party workers taking to the streets in Ahmedabad and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Congress has alleged that around 13 crore names have been deleted from electoral rolls across the country during the SIR exercise. The figure is based on draft-roll data reported from several states. The Election Commission, however, maintains that the revision is part of the electoral-roll verification process.

The protests in Gujarat entered their second day. State Congress president Amit Chavda and Legislative Party Leader Tushar Chaudhary joined workers at the demonstration in Ahmedabad.

Chavda launched the rally by leading a party worker wearing a mask depicting Gyanesh Kumar. The worker was symbolically tied with a rope. Congress MLA Imran Khedawala also wore a similar mask during the protest and staged a symbolic act to target the CEC.

Congress workers carried posters demanding, “Remove Gyanesh Kumar, Save the Election Commission.” Some posters depicted the CEC as being controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Protesters also raised slogans targeting the BJP and the Election Commission.

The Congress has questioned the Election Commission’s handling of the SIR process and alleged that legitimate voters were removed from electoral rolls. The party has demanded greater transparency and an independent review of changes made to voter lists.

A major rally was scheduled from Patang Hotel at the Sabarmati Riverfront towards Rupali Cinema. A large number of Congress workers gathered near Patang Hotel, prompting a heavy police deployment.

Around 100 police personnel, including an ACP, were deployed at the protest site to maintain law and order.

The nationwide protests against Gyanesh Kumar have continued across several states, with Congress demanding his removal over its allegations concerning the SIR exercise.