Wangchuk Extends Support to CJP's October 2 Protest Against CEC
Sonam Wangchuk has backed the Cockroach Janta Party's October 2 protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, though he may not attend physically.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday extended his support to the Cockroach Janta Party's proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, scheduled to begin in Mumbai on October 2, while indicating that he may not be present in person.
Mr. Wangchuk said he backed any effort aimed at strengthening accountability in the country and improving the electoral process. "Backing definitely, anything to improve accountability in the nation, always with them," he said.
He explained that his approach to supporting movements did not require his physical presence at every agitation. "The whole idea of supporting movements for me is that these movements are on their own. So there are many people now for that issue, and I am happy to see that, and therefore I hope I will not be needed on the CEC issue," he said.
Describing the electoral process as one of the most important requirements of a democratic country, Mr. Wangchuk said it needed improvement. "If the election process is spoiled, then what is left of democracy?" he said, adding that promises made by governments must be honoured. Referring to the commitment made to Ladakh on the Sixth Schedule, he said, "The promises that you made should be fulfilled. For example, Ladakh was promised a 6th Schedule."
Mr. Wangchuk said he supported organisations, political parties and politicians working to bring justice and accountability, including those within the ruling BJP. He also noted that October 2 was a "very sacred day" as it marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose methods of peaceful protest had inspired movements for people's rights.
His remarks came amid a row over the functioning of the Election Commission following a report that Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected on record at least 14 times over the past 10 months to decisions concerning voter registration, deletions, restoration of names and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission on Saturday asserted that all decisions relating to the SIR received the unanimous approval of all three commissioners. It also announced measures to assist voters facing notices during the revision, including home visits by Booth Level Officers in cases involving unmapped electors and logical discrepancies, and said such people would generally not have to appear personally for hearings.
Opposition parties have also been seeking action against the CEC over issues surrounding the SIR, with INDIA bloc parties expected to meet in Delhi on September 30 to discuss a coordinated response.