Udupi: A nationwide protest campaign demanding the cancellation of the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the protection of constitutional democracy will be held on October 23. Various farmers’ organisations, labour unions, women’s groups, civic forums and political parties have joined the initiative under the slogan ‘Ooru Ooru Jantar Mantar’, calling for democratic protests in towns and villages across the country.
Thinker Prof. Phaniraj announced the protest during a press conference in Udupi, where he raised concerns about the impact of the SIR process on voters’ rights. The organisers alleged that the exercise had compromised the voting rights of crores of citizens and questioned its constitutionality.
The campaign also demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and legal action against him. These are demands raised by the organisers and reflect their position on the electoral revision process.
Protesters demand cancellation of SIR
The organisers have called for the cancellation of the SIR process, alleging that it has been conducted in an irregular manner and threatens the constitutional right to vote.
Prof. Phaniraj said several organisations had come together to defend democratic rights and ensure that eligible voters are not deprived of their right to participate in elections. The campaign seeks to draw public attention to concerns surrounding the revision of electoral rolls and the procedures followed by the Election Commission.
The protesters argue that safeguarding voting rights is essential to protecting constitutional democracy. They have called for greater accountability in the electoral process and measures to ensure that the revision of voter lists does not result in the exclusion of eligible citizens.
The campaign is being organised under the slogan ‘Ooru Ooru Jantar Mantar’, which seeks to take the spirit of democratic protest beyond the national capital and encourage people in towns and villages to raise their concerns locally.
Demand for changes to Election Commissioner appointment rules
Another key demand concerns the rules governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, introduced in 2023.
The organisers have called for the revocation of these rules, arguing that they are inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution. They have demanded the formulation of a new appointment framework that ensures impartiality and strengthens public confidence in the Election Commission.
The protesters maintain that the independence of election authorities is central to the functioning of a democratic system. They argue that the process of appointing officials responsible for overseeing elections should inspire confidence among citizens and political stakeholders.
The campaign also demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and legal action against him in connection with the concerns raised over the SIR process. These allegations and demands have been articulated by the protest organisers; they do not, by themselves, establish any legal finding of wrongdoing.
‘Jantar Mantar in every town’ campaign
The organisers said restrictions on holding gatherings at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar had prompted concerns about the ability of citizens to exercise their democratic right to protest.
They alleged that the restrictions were intended to suppress peaceful democratic dissent. In response, the ‘Prati Ooru Jantar Mantar’ campaign has been launched to organise demonstrations in towns and villages across the country.
The initiative aims to provide local platforms for citizens and organisations to express their views on electoral reforms, voting rights and constitutional safeguards. Instead of concentrating demonstrations in Delhi, the campaign seeks to encourage coordinated participation across different parts of India.
The organisers believe that local protests can help widen public engagement with questions concerning electoral processes and democratic accountability.
Udupi protest march and public meeting
In Udupi, the protest will begin at 3.30 pm on October 23 with a tribute at the Gandhi statue near the Clock Tower.
Following the tribute, participants will take out a protest march through Triveni Circle, K.M. Marg, Old Diana Circle and Court Road. The march will culminate in a protest meeting opposite Jodukatte.
The programme is intended to bring together representatives of participating organisations and members of the public to raise concerns about the SIR process, voting rights and the appointment of Election Commissioners.
The organisers have invited people who support the campaign’s demands to participate in the demonstration.
Several organisations join the initiative
Sahabalve Udupi is leading the initiative, with several social, labour, student, religious and political organisations expected to participate.
The organisations named by the organisers include Muslim Okkoota Udupi, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (Ambedkarite faction), Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, the Federation of Indian Christian Organizations, CITU, SIO Udupi, Sauharda Karnataka (Udupi District), Manava Bandhutva Vedike Udupi, DYFI, SFI and the Dalit Rights Organization (Udupi District).
Other participating organisations include Solidarity Youth Movement Udupi, the Minority Forum, Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, the Karnataka State Dalit Sangharsha Samithi, the Tribal Rights Coordination Committee (Udupi District), Ambedkar Yuva Sene, the Sunni Samyukta Jama-ath (Udupi District), the Karnataka Muslim District Jama-ath (Udupi District) and Tabligh Jama-ath.
The participation of organisations representing different sections of society reflects the broad coalition assembled by the organisers around the campaign’s stated objectives.
The October 23 demonstration in Udupi forms part of the wider ‘Ooru Ooru Jantar Mantar’ initiative. Through the protest, the participating groups intend to press for changes to electoral revision procedures, greater impartiality in appointments to the Election Commission and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.