Congress demands Chief Election Commissioner's resignation amid poll conduct row

The Congress party has launched a coordinated campaign calling for the Chief Election Commissioner's removal, alleging that senior government officials are using the election body to circumvent public opposition through what the party characterizes as systematic manipulation. Party spokesperson Jairam Venugopal claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were leveraging the commission to undermine democratic processes.

Protesters gathered in the national capital and multiple states, raising placards and slogans against what they describe as compromised electoral oversight. The demonstrations reflected growing concerns among opposition parties and civil society organizations regarding the independence of the election management process during the current political climate.

Police authorities deployed water cannons in several locations to prevent protesters from marching toward key government buildings, citing restrictions on assembly in designated areas. The show of force underscored the intensity of the confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement agencies.

The protests represent an escalation in the opposition's challenge to the government's electoral credibility, with multiple political parties and grassroots organizations joining Congress-led agitations. The movement reflects deeper tensions surrounding institutional autonomy and electoral fairness in India's political landscape.