Kozhikode (Keralam), Sep 26 AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Saturday called CEC Gyanesh Kumar a “Judas” and said it was a matter of shame that he was a Keralam-cadre officer.
His remarks came amid a report of differences within the three-member Election Commission over several decisions and instructions relating to electoral-roll revision, deletion and addition of names, changes to forms for new voters and access to voter data.
“It is a matter of shame for us that Kumar was a Keralam-cadre officer. But he has turned into someone who has taken a total contract to sell off this nation. He is the biggest Judas,” Venugopal told reporters here.
Judas is a biblical character who betrayed Jesus.
Venugopal said the country’s democracy is in danger and urged people to raise their voices.
“This government is illegitimate. Modi became Prime Minister in 2024 through vote manipulation,” he alleged.
Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Keralam, Venugopal said the former had spearheaded the alleged operations and aided what he termed “vote manipulation and democratic robbery”.
“When he comes to a state like Keralam, which embraces democracy to its fullest, he must be prepared to answer. Why was democracy killed like this,” he asked.
Venugopal said the Congress would join hands with other opposition parties in the campaign against the Election Commission.
“Not just the Congress, but all aligned parties in the INDIA bloc and opposition parties will move forward together,” he said.
He also questioned the process of electoral-roll revision and alleged that direct access to electoral rolls was now in the hands of Kumar.
Venugopal alleged that the Election Commission had created an IT branch under the CEC without the knowledge of the other Election Commissioners, which could alter voters’ lists.
“They can delete or add anyone they want,” he alleged.
“Then why hold elections? What is the point of elections in this country,” Venugopal asked.
He alleged that those ruling the country had no right to enact laws or make decisions if they were “slaughtering fundamental democracy itself”.
“The country is heading towards an unprecedented battle, and we are on the path of struggle. It will be fought on the streets,” he said.
CEC Kumar is yet to respond to the allegations.
(PTI News)
