Agartala, Oct 8: The Tripura Pradesh Congress on Thursday observed a statewide ‘Black Day’ protest, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleging that democratic rights were being curtailed in the country.
Congress leaders and workers wearing black clothes and badges took out protest marches in Agartala and several other districts as part of the agitation.
The party said the protest was organised to raise concerns over democratic freedoms and express solidarity with opposition leaders who, according to Congress, faced police action during a demonstration in New Delhi a day earlier.
Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and other senior party leaders participated in the protest in Agartala.
Addressing the protesters, Saha criticised what he described as police action against senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, besides MPs and other INDIA bloc leaders during the Delhi demonstration.
Saha alleged that the developments in the national capital had prompted Congress workers across the country to intensify their campaign, claiming that opposition voices and peaceful protests were being obstructed.
He said the demand for Kumar’s resignation had become a central issue for the party and described the agitation as an effort to protect democratic institutions.
Explaining the significance of the black attire and badges, Saha said the Congress viewed the current situation as a “dark chapter” in the history of Indian democracy. He alleged that police intervention was being used to discourage peaceful demonstrations.
“This is a democratic nation, and citizens must be allowed to express their views through peaceful protest. Preventing people from taking to the streets and curbing dissent is not healthy for democracy,” Saha said.
The state Congress president claimed that similar demonstrations and protest marches were organised across all districts of Tripura, with party workers participating in the programmes.
Congress leaders also appealed to the public to join what they described as a broader movement to protect and restore democratic values.
The party said INDIA bloc MPs would approach the Election Commission with a set of demands and concerns in the coming days.
Tripura Pradesh Congress leaders indicated that the agitation would continue and could be expanded as part of a nationwide campaign.
The party said Thursday’s protests were intended to register opposition to what it described as growing restrictions on democratic expression and political dissent.
