Activist says electoral process is central to democracy, but indicates he may not attend the proposed agitation in person
New Delhi : Activist Sonam Wangchuk has expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)‘s proposed protest from October 2, saying efforts aimed at improving accountability in the country and the electoral process deserve support.
Wangchuk, however, indicated that he may not be physically present at the protest, saying he does not need to participate in every movement personally when others are already taking up the issue.
The CJP has announced plans to begin a nationwide agitation from Mumbai on October 2, seeking accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The announcement followed the group’s demand for the CEC’s resignation.
Wangchuk Says Electoral Process Is Important to Democracy
Speaking about the proposed agitation, Wangchuk said he supported efforts aimed at strengthening accountability.
He said the purpose of supporting movements was not necessarily to participate in every protest personally, particularly when a number of people were already raising the issue.
Wangchuk also stressed the importance of the electoral process in a democratic system and said improvements were necessary.
“If the election process is spoiled, then what is left of democracy?” he said, according to the report.
He also referred to commitments made to Ladakh, including the demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and said promises made by governments should be fulfilled.
Debate Over Election Commission’s Functioning
Wangchuk’s comments come amid a wider debate over the functioning of the Election Commission, particularly its handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The controversy intensified after The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on multiple occasions over decisions relating to voter registration, deletion and restoration of names, as well as aspects of the SIR exercise.
The Election Commission subsequently issued a clarification on September 26, stating that decisions concerning the SIR, including its schedules, had received the unanimous approval of the full Commission. The Commission also said the SIR order covering all states and Union Territories had been approved unanimously.
Election Commission Announces Changes for Voters
Alongside its clarification, the Election Commission announced measures concerning voters who receive notices during the ongoing SIR process because they are classified as “unmapped” or have identified logical discrepancies.
Under the revised arrangement, Booth Level Officers will visit the homes of such voters to collect documents and upload them to the ECINet system for consideration by the Electoral Registration Officer. The Commission said such voters would ordinarily not need to appear personally for hearings, with hearings to be held in exceptional cases, preferably online.
The Commission has also announced other measures relating to voter assistance and the processing of claims and objections in certain states.
Why October 2 Is Significant
Wangchuk also referred to October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, as a significant day because of Gandhi’s association with peaceful protest movements.
The CJP’s proposed agitation is scheduled to begin in Mumbai on the same day. According to reports, the organisation plans to subsequently take the protest to other cities.
Wangchuk said he supported organisations, political parties and individuals working on issues of accountability and justice, while indicating that his support did not necessarily mean physical participation in every demonstration.
The proposed protest comes as political parties and civil society groups continue to debate the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revisions and related issues. The Election Commission, for its part, has maintained that the relevant SIR decisions were taken with the approval of the full Commission.
