Udupi: The Udupi District Congress Committee organised a protest march on Thursday under the ‘Vote Chori – Desh Bachao’ (Stop Vote Theft – Save the Nation) campaign, alleging threats to democratic values and the integrity of the electoral process.
Congress leaders and party workers marched from Coin Circle in Manipal to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Udupi. During the protest, they raised slogans against the Election Commission and the BJP-led Union government.
The campaign was organised with the stated objective of safeguarding constitutional values, protecting citizens’ voting rights and highlighting concerns over the electoral process.
Vinaykumar Sorake alleges threat to democratic system
Addressing the gathering, Vinaykumar Sorake, president of the KPCC Campaign Committee, alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the Constitution and weaken the country’s democratic system.
He claimed that there was a conspiracy to deprive citizens of their voting rights, which he described as a fundamental entitlement available equally to all.
Sorake also alleged that protests by opposition parties were being suppressed, creating an atmosphere resembling an undeclared Emergency. Referring to recent youth-led protests, he claimed that public resistance had put pressure on Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He further said that the political dominance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah was nearing its end. These remarks were made as part of the Congress campaign’s criticism of the BJP-led government.
Speakers call for unity among pro-democracy forces
Religious thinker Lakshmisha Gabbaladka said that dictatorship would eventually come to an end. He criticised the Modi-led government and called on pro-democracy forces to unite against what he described as undemocratic practices.
He also said that people were facing the consequences of decisions and actions taken since the government came to power. According to him, collective efforts by democratic forces were necessary to address public grievances and bring relief to people.
Writer Dr Gananath Ekkaru also spoke at the meeting.
Congress leaders and workers attend
Several Congress leaders, elected representatives and party functionaries participated in the protest.
Those present included former minister Jayaprakash Hegde, Udupi District Congress Committee president Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, Coastal Development Board president M.A. Ghafoor and former MLA Gopal Pujari.
Other participants included Sadashiva Ullal, Ashok Kumar Kodavuru, Udayakumar Shetty Muniyalu, Prasadraj Kanchan, Dinesh Hegde Molahalli, Ramesh Kanchan, Harish Kini, Ganesh Nergi, Shabbir Ahmed, Dinaka Hairur, Prashantha Jatanna, Raju Pujari, Veronica Cornelio, Dinesh Kulal, Gopinath Bhat, Sadananda Shetty, Thimma Pujari, Geeta Wagle, Habib Ali, Udyavara Nagesh Kumar and Sharfuddin Sheikh.
Campaign Committee president Harish Kini welcomed the gathering, while District Mahila Congress president Jyothi Hebbar proposed the vote of thanks.
The protest was part of the Congress party’s wider ‘Vote Chori – Desh Bachao’ campaign, through which it has been raising concerns about electoral integrity and the protection of voting rights.