Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D. Raja on Monday, 26 October said that public agitation demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is growing stronger each day, with citizens taking to the streets across the country. Raja made these remarks in New Delhi, signalling that opposition pressure on the election authority is set to escalate significantly over the coming days.

Key Programmes Announced

Raja outlined a two-track protest strategy. The CPI will independently organise a human chain programme on 30 October, distinct from broader coalition events. Under the banner of the opposition INDIA bloc, a public impeachment programme has also been planned, culminating in a large rally at Ramlila Maidan on 1 November. The CPI has confirmed its participation in the Ramlila Maidan rally as well.

'On October 30, our party will organise a human chain programme. It is an independent programme of the CPI. There is also a public impeachment programme organised on behalf of the INDIA bloc. On November 1, there will be a huge rally at Ramlila Maidan, organised by the INDIA bloc. Our party will also participate,' Raja said.

Opposition's Escalating Pressure on the CEC

Raja alleged that public anger against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been mounting steadily, with demonstrators pressing for his exit from office. He claimed that despite INDIA bloc parties approaching both the President of India and the Supreme Court with their grievances, Kumar has continued in his position. 'Every day, the movement is intensifying, and people are coming out onto the streets. People are extremely angry and anguished, and they demand that the Chief Election Commissioner should resign. However, he is not doing so,' Raja said.

This comes amid a broader pattern of the opposition targeting election administration ahead of upcoming state polls, with multiple INDIA bloc leaders having previously raised concerns about electoral transparency and institutional impartiality.

Modi Criticised for Silence

Raja also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister had not publicly commented on the unfolding agitation or the broader political developments in the country. The criticism underscores the opposition's attempt to frame the issue as one of democratic accountability at the highest level.

CPI's Stance on Kharge Remarks Controversy

On the controversy surrounding Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks about the Prime Minister's father, Raja adopted a measured position. He described Kharge as a senior politician fully capable of explaining the context of his own comments, and declined to either defend or condemn them on behalf of the Left. 'The media is reporting that he has made certain comments or remarks. In what context and under what provocation he said those things, he is competent enough to explain. The Congress party is also competent to explain,' Raja said.

Raja drew a clear distinction between the CPI's political culture and that of other parties, reiterating that his party steers clear of personal attacks. 'As far as our party is concerned, we do not indulge in personal attacks or personal criticism. We raise issues of national importance and those related to people's livelihoods. We question and criticise the government, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, but we have our own way of criticising those in power,' he added.

What Comes Next

With the 30 October human chain and the 1 November Ramlila Maidan rally on the horizon, the opposition's campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner is set to enter a more visible, street-level phase. Whether the escalation translates into institutional action — or remains a political mobilisation exercise — will depend on how the government and the Election Commission respond in the days ahead.