‘Chalo Raj Bhavan’ for Protection of Voting Rights.. Student and Youth Organisations Call

Student and youth organisations in Andhra Pradesh have announced a ‘Chalo Raj Bhavan’ programme in Vijayawada on October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The leaders alleged that the ongoing voter-list revision has resulted in the removal of eligible voters and said the protest would focus on protecting voting rights, democratic values and constitutional rights. The programme poster was unveiled at a press conference held at Balotsav Bhavan in Vijayawada on Wednesday.

Leaders of organisations including SFI, AISF, DYFI and AIYF raised concerns over what they described as a lack of transparency and impartiality in the functioning of the Election Commission. They demanded restoration of the voting rights of eligible citizens and greater clarity on the voter-list revision process. The organisations appealed to students, youth, intellectuals and democracy advocates across the state to participate in the programme. The Election Commission, however, has clarified that the exclusions in the voter rolls are not final and that the claims and objections process is still underway.