Congress workers staged protest outside State Election Commission office against CEC

With the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections now just a year away, the Congress has intensified its organizational efforts across the state while simultaneously launching a strong protest campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner.

At a review meeting held at Rajiv Bhawan in Shimla, AICC Himachal affairs in-charge Rajni Patil urged district Congress presidents to quickly complete the formation of party committees and strengthen the organization at the grassroots level. Stressing the importance of accountability, she said every party functionary must fulfill assigned responsibilities effectively. She also called for the induction of energetic workers in place of office-bearers who are unable to devote adequate time to organizational activities.

Senior Congress leaders, including Pradesh Congress President Vinay Kumar, co-incharge Chetan Chauhan, Vidit Chaudhary, and Organization General Secretary Vinod Zinta, reviewed the political situation across districts and blocks and emphasized coordinated efforts among party leaders. District in-charges were directed to undertake regular tours and hold meetings to maintain organizational momentum.

Vinay Kumar urged party office-bearers to submit reports on time and warned that indiscipline or disregard of PCC directives would not be tolerated.

Earlier in the day, Congress leaders and workers staged a protest outside the State Election Commission office, burning an effigy of the Chief Election Commissioner. The demonstration witnessed participation from several senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, former MP Pratibha Singh, ministers, elected representatives, and hundreds of party workers.

The protesters accused the Election Commission of compromising its credibility and demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rajni Patil alleged that voters’ rights had been undermined and said the Congress would launch a nationwide movement on the issue. Mukesh Agnihotri and Vinay Kumar also criticized the functioning of the Election Commission, claiming that democratic processes had been weakened.

The state Congress leadership announced that awareness campaigns and public meetings would be organized across districts and blocks to educate voters about their electoral rights and mobilize support on the issue.