Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das has strongly backed the ongoing agitation in Delhi, describing it as the inception of a critical national movement led by Rahul Gandhi to protect the country’s constitutional framework and democratic principles.
Addressing the media, Das criticised the government’s handling of peaceful resistance, stating that Congress has consistently supported citizens’ rights to protest. He asserted that when governments lose composure, become arrogant, and get intoxicated with power, they resort to force and police overreach to cover up wrongdoing, corruption, and systemic injustice.
Targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the OPCC chief demanded his immediate removal from the top electoral post following widespread allegations of corruption and electoral malpractice. “Allegations of corruption and vote theft against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have come to light, and he should be removed from his post. There have been numerous objections, and the entire country is aware of them. Why is the government shielding him?” Das questioned.
Das emphasised that Rahul Gandhi has persistently raised concerns about electoral integrity and “vote theft” across multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha. He pointed out that despite repeated warnings, these malpractices continued, allowing the BJP to form governments state after state.
Commenting on the state of democratic institutions, Das alleged that elected representatives are being silenced and expelled from Parliament, while constitutional bodies like the Election Commission and Reserve Bank of India are operating under government influence. He further warned that national wealth is increasingly passing into the hands of select capitalists rather than benefiting ordinary citizens.
Drawing parallels to India’s freedom struggle, the Congress leader reminded that even British rulers could not suppress peaceful protests led by Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters. Reaffirming that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in an independent democracy, Bhakta Charan Das urged citizens across the nation to unite behind Rahul Gandhi’s movement to restore voter sanctity and protect democracy.
