JAMMU, Oct 7: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Wednesday staged a symbolic funeral procession of the Election Commission and burnt its effigy in Jammu, protesting what the party described as serious concerns over the functioning of the poll body.
Led by J&K president Manish Sahni, party workers raised slogans and carried placards demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters also wore black bands over their mouths as a mark of protest.
Sahni said that the question of who comes to power in a democracy must be decided by the people through their free and fair vote, rather than through decisions allegedly influenced by officials or other forces.
Questioning the functioning and impartiality of the Election Commission, Sahni said that repeated concerns over the independence of the poll body had compelled the party to stage the symbolic protest. He claimed that public anger over the functioning of the Election Commission was growing across the country and reiterated the slogan, “Gyanesh hatao, loktantra bachao” (Remove Gyanesh, save democracy).
Sahni also raised concerns regarding Form 6 and alleged changes in electoral rolls. He claimed that questions had been raised by sections of the public, the Opposition and Election Commission officials, while referring to proceedings in the High Court concerning electoral records.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader outlined the party’s demands, including the immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, an independent judicial inquiry into the allegations, restoration of electoral rolls existing prior to 2025 and an immediate halt to what the party described as the arbitrary implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Sahni said the party would continue to raise the issue of electoral integrity and democratic rights. He warned the government against ignoring public concerns, stating that “the patience of the people should not be tested.”
The protest concluded with the party reiterating its demand for transparency, accountability and what it described as a free and fair electoral process.