Activist Sonam Wangchuk has backed the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed protest on October 2, which is seeking accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Wangchuk said efforts to bring greater accountability to the country and the electoral process should be supported, although he indicated that he may not personally attend the protest.
His comments come amid a controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission. An Indian Express report said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on record at least 14 times over the past 10 months on issues related to voter registration, deletion and restoration of names, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission, however, has said that decisions related to the SIR were taken unanimously by all three commissioners. EC officials said the concerns raised by Sandhu and Joshi were part of the deliberative process and did not amount to disagreement with the final decisions.
Wangchuk said he supports the proposed agitation but believes movements should be able to continue without depending on one individual.
“Backing definitely, anything to improve accountability in the nation, always with them,” he said. He added that there were now many people raising the issue and that he hoped his presence would not be necessary.
Wangchuk also stressed the importance of a fair electoral process in a democracy. “If the election process is spoiled, then what is left of democracy?” he said.
He also referred to the promise of granting Ladakh Sixth Schedule protection, saying governments should fulfil commitments made to people.
The activist said he supports organisations, political parties and politicians working for justice and accountability, including those within the ruling BJP.
Referring to October 2, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk said the day was significant because Gandhi’s methods of peaceful protest had inspired several movements for people’s rights.
The Cockroach Janta Party has announced that its protest will begin in Mumbai on October 2 as part of its campaign against the Election Commission and its demand for accountability. The party had earlier threatened nationwide protests if CEC Gyanesh Kumar did not resign.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has announced measures to assist voters who receive notices during the electoral-roll revision. It has said Booth Level Officers will visit homes in cases involving unmapped electors and certain discrepancies, and that such voters would generally not be required to appear personally for hearings.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from opposition parties, which have raised questions over the SIR process and the functioning of the Election Commission.
Wangchuk’s remarks come as the debate over the SIR and the Election Commission’s internal functioning continues, with the poll panel maintaining that its decisions were taken unanimously.