Congress Protests Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Spread Across India; Gaurav Gogoi Detained, Tear Gas Fired in Manipur

Congress Launches Nationwide Protests

Congress workers staged demonstrations across several states on Friday, September 25, demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Protests were reported in Assam, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, West Bengal and other parts of the country. The demonstrations followed a directive from the All India Congress Committee asking state units to march towards Election Commission offices and demand action against Kumar.

The protests were held amid a political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and reports concerning internal objections within the Election Commission.

Gaurav Gogoi Detained in Assam

In Guwahati, Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi was detained by Assam Police during the protest.

Gogoi demanded that Gyanesh Kumar resign and called for legal action against the CEC over what he alleged were irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission. These allegations are the Congress leader's political claims and have not been established as findings by a court or independent authority.

The protesters had planned to march towards the Chief Electoral Officer's office, with the demonstration escalating after police barricades were breached.

Tear Gas Fired in Manipur

In Imphal, Manipur Congress workers marched towards the office of the Chief Electoral Officer at Lamphelpat.

The protesters burnt an effigy of Gyanesh Kumar and demanded his resignation, arrest and an independent review of decisions relating to electoral-roll changes. Police fired a few tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators.

Manipur Congress leaders also raised concerns over what they described as the possible exclusion of young voters from electoral rolls.

Water Cannons Used in Other States

Police action was also reported during demonstrations in other locations.

In Patna and Chandigarh, police used water cannons to disperse Congress protesters. Demonstrations were also held in Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Shimla, Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir.

The protests varied in form, with Congress workers demanding the resignation or removal of the CEC and, in some places, calling for criminal action.

What Triggered the Protests?

The latest mobilisation followed a report by The Indian Express stating that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over a 10-month period.

According to the report, the objections concerned issues including changes to voter-registration Form 6, additions and deletions from electoral rolls and centralised control of electoral-roll data.

Congress leaders have cited the reported objections while questioning the transparency and functioning of the Election Commission.

Election Commission Defends Its Process

The Election Commission has rejected the characterisation of the reported objections as evidence of an institutional split.

The ECI has said that operational queries, internal feedback, observations and administrative suggestions are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. It has also maintained that final decisions concerning the SIR were taken unanimously and followed established statutory procedures.

The Commission's position contrasts with the interpretation put forward by Congress leaders during the protests.

Congress Raises Voting Rights Concerns

Congress leaders have connected the protests to broader concerns over electoral-roll revision and the right of eligible citizens to vote.

In Manipur, protesters alleged that Gen Z voters could be affected by the SIR process and demanded greater protection for electoral rights. The party has also called for an independent review of electoral-roll decisions made during Kumar's tenure.

These claims remain part of an ongoing political dispute over the electoral-roll revision exercise.

Protests Continue Across India

The September 25 demonstrations were part of a wider Congress campaign against the Election Commission.

The party has demanded Kumar's resignation and removal, while some protesters have also called for his arrest. Congress has announced another phase of protests at district collectorates on September 28.

The controversy has also drawn responses from other political parties and leaders, making the functioning of the Election Commission and the SIR process a major political issue.

Wider SIR Controversy

The Special Intensive Revision has generated debate over voter verification, additions and deletions from electoral rolls and the procedures followed by the Election Commission.

Congress and other Opposition leaders have questioned aspects of the exercise and cited reports of internal objections. The Election Commission, however, maintains that its decisions have legal backing and that differences of opinion during deliberations are normal within a multi-member institution.

The competing positions continue to shape the political and legal debate surrounding electoral-roll revision.

Key Takeaways

• Congress held nationwide protests on September 25, 2026, demanding action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

• Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a demonstration in Guwahati.

• Police fired tear gas shells in Manipur to disperse protesters.

• Water cannons were used in Patna and Chandigarh.

• Protests were also reported in Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Shimla, Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir.

• Congress cited reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions.

• The Election Commission said internal observations and differences are part of normal deliberations.

• The protests are linked to the continuing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.