Congress Observes Black Day Over Election Commission Demands

The Congress party observed a 'black day' on October 8, 2026, launching coordinated protests across Karnataka and Tripura to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations followed the detention of senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by the Delhi Police during a protest in New Delhi, as well as reported police action against Mallikarjun Kharge.

In Bengaluru, hundreds of workers gathered at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office with black flags. The Bengaluru City Police deployed security personnel around the state BJP headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, to prevent potential incursions. Simultaneously, the Tripura Pradesh Congress conducted statewide marches in Agartala and other districts, with participants wearing black clothing and badges to symbolize a dark chapter in Indian democracy.

Party leaders alleged that the government is curbing dissent and obstructing democratic rights through police intervention. The Congress party stated that INDIA bloc MPs intend to approach the Election Commission of India with their demands, warning that the agitation will intensify as part of a broader nationwide campaign to restore transparency and credibility to the electoral system.