Rahul Gandhi on Monday claimed that he has received messages from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar contacting him. Rahul appealed to him to resign and said to continue protesting against SIR.
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday gave a big statement regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He claimed that Gyanesh Kumar has tried to contact him several times and also receives his messages. Rahul Gandhi appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner to resign and said that he should clear the way by stepping down from the post. He gave this statement during the press conference held in Delhi. This press conference took place before the march to the Supreme Court.
Rahul Gandhi reiterated his opposition to the Election Commission and Special Intensive Review (SIR). He said that this fight of protest will not be limited to one day or a few days. According to him, the protesters should be prepared for a long struggle. He also appealed to the youth to raise their voice on this issue and express support for the protest.
Rahul Gandhi's statement regarding Gyanesh Kumar
During the press conference, a journalist asked Rahul Gandhi why he directly accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar instead of the Election Commission. The journalist also wanted to know whether Gyanesh Kumar had ever tried to talk to him.
In response to this question, Rahul Gandhi said that he receives messages from Gyanesh Kumar. Addressing the Chief Election Commissioner, he said, yes, his messages come and Gyanesh Kumar is watching his press conference. After this, Rahul Gandhi said that Gyanesh Kumar is not a criminal, but he is being made to do all this. He said that the easiest way is to resign and step down from the post.
This statement of Rahul Gandhi has come amid opposition from Congress regarding the role and functioning of the Election Commission. However, no response has been received from Gyanesh Kumar on this statement based on the information available in this news. Rahul Gandhi's allegations and claims should be seen as his statements only.
Allegations made regarding police action in Delhi
In the press conference, Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue of stopping the protesters and police action in Delhi. He alleged that Delhi has been turned into a jail and efforts are being made to stop the protesting people.
Rahul Gandhi claimed that policemen are also worried about the current situation. According to him, the policemen are raising questions as to why the youth are being beaten and why instructions are being given to stop them. He also accused people associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh i.e. RSS of assaulting women. Rahul Gandhi said that on one hand efforts are being made to stop the protesters, while on the other hand things like using pellet guns are being said.
Responses from the parties concerned regarding these allegations are not available. Therefore, the allegations made in Rahul Gandhi's statement are not being independently confirmed in this report.
Rahul Gandhi said – protest is not a one day fight
The Congress leader said that the protesters have been stopped by the police on different occasions. He mentioned about being stopped at Jantar Mantar and the possibility of being stopped on Monday also. According to Rahul Gandhi, this conflict should not be seen only as an incident of the recent five days. He said that the protesters were being stopped for a long time and now this situation was more clearly visible.
Rahul Gandhi appealed to the protesters to maintain patience. He said that people may get tired of police action, but policemen are also getting tired. He also claimed that the policemen are questioning why Gyanesh Kumar is being saved.
Referring to the English words 'Patience' and 'Perseverance', he said that patience and perseverance are necessary to continue the movement. Rahul Gandhi said that the protesters will have to keep trying. According to them, even if this fight takes a month, two months or a year, they will not back down.
Preparation of petition against SIR in Supreme Court
Rahul Gandhi linked his fight against Special Intensive Revision or SIR to the future and dignity of the youth. He said that this is an important issue for the people of the country. Rahul Gandhi told the youth that this is a fight for their future and their respect.
He also appealed for support from those who cannot directly participate in the protests. Rahul Gandhi said that when the protesters are in front of the Supreme Court, then people can show solidarity in their own ways. He appealed to the people to make it clear that they are against the current situation and will not accept it.
Rahul Gandhi also talked about filing a petition in the Supreme Court against SIR. According to his statement, protests will be continued along with adopting the legal route on this issue. However, the statement did not provide detailed information regarding the date of filing of the petition, its exact nature and legal basis.
Appeal to youth to support the movement
Rahul Gandhi said that the youth who cannot reach the spot and join the protest can also express their protest. He appealed to the people to express what they think on this issue in different ways.
His message was that to continue democratic protest it is not only necessary to be present on the streets, but people can also express their disagreement and support in other ways. Rahul Gandhi linked this issue to youth participation and future and urged more people to raise their voice.
Political controversy continues over Election Commission and SIR
This statement of Rahul Gandhi has come amid the ongoing political controversy regarding the role of the Election Commission and SIR. The Congress leader demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and made it clear that his party is in favor of continuing the protest on this issue.
He mentioned political protests, police action, youth participation and judicial process in his statement. On one hand, Rahul Gandhi talked about filing a petition in the Supreme Court, while on the other hand he appealed to the people to raise their voice in support of the movement.
At present, the further status on Gyanesh Kumar's alleged contact attempts, allegations made by Rahul Gandhi and the proposed petition against SIR will be clear from the official response and legal action of the parties concerned.