Congress Sit-In in Tripura Demands CEC Gyanesh’s Arrest

By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
Oct 01, 2026
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The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee has intensified its campaign against the Election Commission of India, organising a public sit-in in Agartala and demanding the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Congress leaders alleged that the credibility of the electoral process has come under serious strain and accused the Election Commission of failing to adequately protect voters’ democratic rights. The party also raised concerns over alleged manipulation of electoral rolls, intimidation of voters and the functioning of constitutional institutions.

Pradesh Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha, MLA Sudip Roy Barman, Gopal Chandra Roy and other senior leaders and party workers participated in the demonstration.

Tripura Congress Raises Questions Over Elections Since 2018

Addressing the gathering, Ashish Kumar Saha alleged that the electoral environment in Tripura has progressively deteriorated since 2018.

According to Saha, voters in different elections have faced an atmosphere of fear and pressure. He alleged that ordinary citizens were, on several occasions, prevented or discouraged from reaching polling stations and exercising their franchise freely.

The Congress leader further claimed that people who attempted to cast their votes despite such alleged pressure faced intimidation and harassment before and after polling.

Saha also accused groups allegedly associated with the ruling establishment of using physical intimidation during elections. He claimed that allegations of bogus voting and other irregularities have raised questions over whether the actual preferences of voters were properly reflected in electoral outcomes.

Congress leaders referred to elections ranging from Panchayat and Autonomous District Council polls to Village Council and Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the party has repeatedly raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

Ashish Saha Criticises Manik Saha Government

The Tripura Congress president also criticised recent remarks by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha concerning the Election Commission and its Chief Election Commissioner.

Saha alleged that defending the CEC instead of addressing the opposition's concerns amounted to shifting attention towards political opponents.

The Congress argued that allegations concerning the Election Commission should be examined through an independent and impartial process. The party alleged that attempts to defend or shield constitutional authorities without a comprehensive inquiry could weaken public confidence in electoral institutions.

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional authority responsible for administering elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Gyanesh Kumar is currently listed by the ECI as Chief Election Commissioner.

Voter List Revision Becomes Major Congress Concern

A significant portion of the Congress protest focused on electoral-roll revision.

Party leaders alleged that the names of eligible voters could be removed from electoral rolls while names of ineligible or otherwise disputed voters could be included. They demanded a transparent examination of complaints relating to voter-list revision.

The issue has become part of a wider political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress and other opposition parties have raised objections concerning the process, while the Election Commission has maintained that its electoral-roll procedures are conducted within the applicable legal framework.

Congress leaders demanded that complaints concerning voter inclusion and deletion be independently examined so that genuine voters are not deprived of their constitutional right to participate in elections.

Congress Seeks Greater Accountability of Election Commission

The protest also focused on the legal accountability of constitutional institutions.

Congress leaders argued that institutions such as the Election Commission must operate with transparency and remain accountable when serious allegations are raised against their functioning.

The party maintained that if an individual holding constitutional office is accused of electoral misconduct or misuse of authority, there should be an appropriate legal mechanism for examining those allegations.

The demand for action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar is also part of a broader nationwide political campaign by Congress and other opposition groups concerning electoral-roll revision and alleged irregularities. Recent reports show that opposition parties have organised protests in several parts of the country demanding greater transparency in the electoral process.

Unemployment, Law and Order Issues Raised

The Tripura Congress protest was not limited to electoral issues.

Party leaders also raised concerns about law and order, unemployment, government employees’ salaries and alleged corruption in different departments.

Congress leaders alleged that educated unemployed youths have faced police restrictions while organising demonstrations demanding employment. They further claimed that opposition parties have encountered administrative difficulties while conducting political programmes.

The party said these issues reflect broader concerns about democratic space and governance in Tripura.

Congress Calls for Transparent Electoral Process

The Tripura Pradesh Congress reiterated that the credibility of elections depends on voters being able to participate without fear, electoral rolls being accurately maintained and constitutional institutions functioning transparently.

The party said it would continue raising allegations concerning voter rights, electoral-roll revision and accountability within the Election Commission.

Congress's demands remain political allegations and calls for investigation; they should not be treated as established findings unless confirmed through an appropriate inquiry or competent authority.

What Congress Is Demanding

Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
Legal action based on the allegations raised by the party
Independent examination of electoral-roll complaints
Protection of eligible voters' rights
Greater transparency in voter-list revision
Accountability of constitutional institutions
Investigation into alleged electoral irregularities.

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