Panchkula: Protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls intensified in Haryana on Thursday, with Congress workers taking to the streets in Panchkula and raising objections over the voter-list revision exercise.
The protest turned tense when police moved in to remove demonstrators from the road. Several protesters were dragged away as the situation escalated during the demonstration.
Congress leaders also staged a sit-in on the road in Panchkula, leading to a heated exchange with the police. The protesters raised slogans and continued their demonstration despite attempts by the authorities to clear the road.
Protest Against SIR and CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The demonstration was part of the Congress-led protests being held across Haryana against the SIR process and over demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has been seeking a review of electoral-roll changes and has also demanded Kumar’s resignation.
In Panchkula, Congress leaders and workers gathered as part of the statewide protest programme. The Haryana Congress had announced a march towards the State Election Commission office in Panchkula on October 8 under its “Vote Bachao-Desh Bachao” campaign.
State President and In-Charge Stage Sit-In
During the protest, Haryana Congress state president Rao Narender Singh and state in-charge Sanjay Dutt joined the demonstration and staged a sit-in on the road.
The situation became tense as police attempted to clear the protesters from the area. A heated exchange took place between the leaders and police personnel during the confrontation.
Congress workers continued raising slogans as the protest intensified.
CEC Effigy Targeted During Protest
An effigy representing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was also brought during the demonstration. Protesters hit the effigy with shoes as they stepped up their protest against the Election Commission and the SIR exercise.
Congress has been holding demonstrations across Haryana over its concerns regarding electoral-roll revisions. Similar protests in the state have included the burning of an effigy of the CEC.
The protests come amid a wider opposition campaign against the SIR exercise and demands for changes in the electoral-roll revision process. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of wrongdoing linked to the electoral process.