The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) held a protest in Dimapur on October 3 and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Dimapur District Congress Committee organised the protest march to raise concerns about the electoral-roll revision process.
Congress leaders alleged that the exercise could remove eligible voters from electoral rolls. They said such exclusions could affect citizens’ voting rights. Meanwhile, the party also called for greater accountability from the Election Commission.
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Key Facts
- Date: October 3
- Location: Dimapur, Nagaland
- Organiser: Dimapur District Congress Committee
- Main demand: Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
- Main issue: Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Political party: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee
- Protest route: Congress Bhavan to Town Hall
Congress Holds Protest in Dimapur
The protest march started at Congress Bhavan in Dimapur and moved towards Town Hall. Congress workers raised slogans against the SIR exercise during the demonstration.
At Town Hall, party workers also burnt an effigy of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Through the protest, the Congress sought to highlight its concerns about the electoral-roll revision process.
Moreover, Congress leaders said the Election Commission should ensure transparency while revising electoral rolls. They also stressed the importance of protecting eligible citizens’ voting rights.
NPCC Raises Concerns Over Electoral Rolls
NPCC working president Apok Jamir criticised the SIR exercise and raised concerns about the removal of names from electoral rolls.
Jamir claimed that more than 13 crore electors had been “eliminated” from the rolls. He presented the figure while criticising the ongoing revision process.
However, the claim represents the Congress leader’s allegation and has not been independently established within the information provided.
Jamir said eligible voters could face difficulties if authorities removed their names from electoral rolls. Therefore, he argued that the Election Commission should protect the voting rights of eligible citizens.
According to Jamir, voting remains a central part of the democratic process. He also called for greater accountability from election authorities.
Congress Demands Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
During the protest, Jamir demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
He linked the demand to the Congress party’s concerns about the SIR exercise and its alleged impact on voters.
“If his conscience permits and he agrees that he has committed a crime against the people, then he should resign immediately,” Jamir said.
Meanwhile, the Congress has continued its protests against the SIR exercise in different parts of Nagaland. The party has also called for Kumar’s resignation and removal.
Congress Raises ‘Poaching’ Allegations
The NPCC also raised another political issue during the Dimapur protest. Jamir alleged that some elected legislators and councillors had changed their political affiliations because of coercion, pressure or inducements.
He described these changes as political “poaching”.
However, these claims came from the Congress leader, and the available information does not independently establish the allegations.
Jamir said voters would ultimately assess the actions of elected representatives during future elections. Therefore, he argued that elected leaders should remain accountable to the people who voted for them.
Why Is the SIR Issue Important?
The Special Intensive Revision focuses on reviewing electoral rolls. Election authorities use electoral-roll revision processes to update voter information and maintain accurate voter lists.
At the same time, political parties can raise concerns about the process when they believe eligible voters could face exclusion. The Congress has made such concerns a central part of its campaign against the SIR exercise.
What Happened in Dimapur?
The Nagaland Congress organised a protest march from Congress Bhavan to Town Hall. Party workers demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and raised concerns about the SIR exercise.
What Is the Congress’ Main Concern?
The Congress has raised concerns about names being removed from electoral rolls. The party says authorities must ensure that eligible voters retain their voting rights.
Who Organised the Protest?
The Dimapur District Congress Committee organised the demonstration under the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee.
What Other Issue Did the Congress Raise?
NPCC working president Apok Jamir also alleged political “poaching” involving elected legislators and councillors who changed political affiliations.
Why Is Dimapur Important?
Dimapur serves as one of Nagaland’s major urban and commercial centres. It also plays an important role in the state’s political and administrative activities. Consequently, political demonstrations in the city often attract attention across Nagaland and Northeast India.
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