Agartala, Oct 30: Leaders and supporters of the INDIA bloc staged a massive rally in Agartala on Friday under the slogan ‘Vote bachao, Desh bachao’ (Save the Vote, Save the Country), demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over the transparency of the electoral process and the protection of democratic rights.
The rally began in front of the Chamanu Mancha at Melarmath and passed through various roads in the city before culminating outside the Election Department office. Leaders and workers of different constituent parties of the INDIA bloc took part in the procession, carrying party flags and placards highlighting their demands.
A protest meeting was held outside the Election Department office after the rally. Addressing the gathering, opposition leaders questioned the electoral process and raised concerns over the voter list, electoral transparency and the protection of constitutional rights. They also reiterated their demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Speaking to the media, Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury described the national flag as a symbol of the country’s courage, conviction, collective commitment, aspirations and unity, rather than merely three colours.
He alleged that the Tricolour was under attack and accused the Narendra Modi-led government of undermining the values represented by the national flag and the Constitution. Referring to voting rights and freedom of expression as constitutional guarantees, Chaudhury alleged that the country was being gradually pushed towards an ideology of ‘Manuvad’ while national resources were being handed over to corporate interests.
He said the rally was part of a broader struggle to protect the Constitution, democratic rights and the country’s unity. Emphasising that the movement should go beyond party politics, Chaudhury called it a struggle to save the country and uphold patriotism.
Among those present at the rally were Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha, Gopal Roy and Sudip Roy Barman, along with other leaders and supporters of the INDIA bloc.
