Sonam Wangchuk Backs Protest Against Election Commission

Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced his moral support on September 27 for a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) scheduled for October 2 in Mumbai. The demonstration targets Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demands his resignation, a pause on future elections, the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and the rollback of the 2023 Appointment Bill for Election Commissioners.

The controversy stems from reports alleging that Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected at least 14 times over 10 months to SIR decisions issued without their knowledge. The Election Commission of India has denied these allegations, asserting that all SIR schedules for various states and union territories were approved unanimously and that internal correspondence concerned the functioning of a deputed officer rather than policy.

Wangchuk linked the need for electoral integrity to broader government accountability, specifically citing unfulfilled promises regarding the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh. While endorsing the movement, he stated he may not attend the Mumbai protest physically, arguing that movements should be able to sustain themselves. Meanwhile, INDIA bloc parties are expected to meet in Delhi on September 30 to coordinate a response to the SIR issues.