Manipur: INDIA Bloc launches ‘Save Democracy, Save Election, Save Nation’ campaign

Imphal: The opposition INDIA Bloc has launched a coordinated nationwide campaign titled “Save Democracy, Save Election, Save Nation”, alleging growing authoritarianism and interference in the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the BJP-led Union government.

Addressing a joint press conference at Congress Bhavan in Imphal on Monday, INDIA Bloc Manipur convenor and CPI(M) state secretary Ksh Shanta alleged that the country was being pushed towards political instability under the present government.

Shanta accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of taking decisions arbitrarily and changing electoral rules without adequately consulting other members of the commission. He alleged that such actions were weakening democratic institutions and creating scope for electoral manipulation.

The campaign in Manipur follows a meeting of opposition parties held at Hotel Imphal on October 4, chaired by former chief minister and MPCC president O Ibobi. Leaders representing the Congress, CPI(M), Shiv Sena (UBT), RSP, Forward Bloc, AAP, TMC and NCP agreed to expand the agitation across the state.

Shanta said the Manipur unit would organise demonstrations outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office as well as in different districts. The bloc also plans to invite other recognised political parties in the state to participate in the campaign. One of its key demands is the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Questioning changes made to the electoral appointment process, Shanta criticised the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners. He argued that replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet minister on the selection panel had increased executive influence over the appointment of members of the poll body.

Meanwhile, CLP leader K Meghachandra alleged that the central government was attempting to manipulate votes and appealed to people to unite in defence of the Constitution.

Dr Khwairakpam Loken also criticised the BJP-led government, claiming that lasting peace would remain difficult in Manipur as long as the BJP remained in power. He called for the removal of the NDA government, citing the need to protect lives and property.

The INDIA Bloc’s campaign comes amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The programme is expected to include demonstrations at the district level, followed by a protest march to the ECI headquarters in New Delhi.