India’s ‘Cockroach’ Youth Movement Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Poll Chief

India’s “Cockroach” youth movement has threatened to launch nationwide protests if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign within 48 hours. The demand follows a report by The Indian Express that two election commissioners had questioned or raised concerns about decisions related to voter-list updates on at least 14 occasions over 10 months.

The issue has triggered renewed criticism from opposition parties, which have accused the Election Commission of manipulating voter rolls to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress Party has announced protest marches at state election offices across India on Friday, demanding Kumar’s removal, his arrest and an independent review of decisions and voter-list changes made during his tenure.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, saying differences among election commissioners are a normal part of institutional decision-making and that its actions have been lawful. The BJP has also defended the poll panel, accusing opposition parties of conducting a smear campaign. The Cockroach Janta Party, meanwhile, said it would begin a nationwide agitation if Kumar does not step down within the 48-hour deadline.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright