Mangalore, Wednesday – The Welfare Party of India South Karnataka district committee organised a large gathering at the Clock Tower to protest what it described as "vote theft" and to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Jnanesh Kumar.
Shiv Sunder, a veteran journalist, social activist and public intellectual, addressed the crowd and accused Kumar of exploiting every power at his disposal to jeopardise the democratic future of a nation of 140 crore citizens.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sunder urged the Election Commission to safeguard voter rights, ensure transparency in the electoral process and uphold the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. He warned that any deviation would undermine the very foundation of India's parliamentary system.
The activist highlighted Articles 324 to 327 of the Constitution, which mandate an independent and autonomous Election Commission. He argued that a commission that favours a single political party cannot represent the electorate and that impartiality is a constitutional imperative.
Sunder recalled the tenure of former Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, who served from 1990 to 1995. Seshan once clarified that he was the people's election commissioner, not the government's, emphasizing that the legitimacy of the government stems from free and fair elections.
According to Sunder, the democratic fabric is fraying. He claimed that the ruling party has been adding millions of fictitious voters while eliminating those who do not support it. Recent data, he said, shows the registration of 16.12 lakh new voters in Uttar Pradesh, none of whom appear on Form‑6, suggesting systematic manipulation.
The protest, he asserted, is part of a broader movement demanding genuine democratic practices. He called on citizens to continue the struggle until an impartial electoral system is restored.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK