Lucknow, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aazad Samaj Party-Kanshi Ram president and MP Chandra Shekhar Aazad on Wednesday called for greater transparency in the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), amid ongoing protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Aazad also demanded that elections be conducted using the earlier ballot system.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Aazad said concerns had also arisen over the denial of permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar.
“As far as the ongoing protests are concerned, the first and foremost concern is that the protest point has been designated at Jantar Mantar, but permission has not been granted for the protest there. Although there may be reasons for not granting permission, it is still concerning that in the world’s largest democracy, people are being denied the right to protest — an agitation through which the British were driven out of the country,” he said.
Aazad said removing the current CEC alone would not resolve concerns unless the process of selecting and appointing Election Commissioners was changed.
“Gyanesh Kumar may be removed, but unless there is a change in the process of selecting and appointing Election Commissioners, the issue will remain,” he said, calling for a mechanism involving the Supreme Court so that Election Commissioners could be appointed independently.
“We trust the Supreme Court but what would happen if people start mistrusting the election process itself?” Aazad asked.
Echoing BSP chief Mayawati’s demand, he said elections should be held using the earlier ballot system.
Aazad also raised concerns over flooding caused by the rising water level of the Gomti River in Uttar Pradesh. He said areas including Faizullaganj had been submerged and urged the government to provide basic facilities and compensation to affected people.
On sugarcane farmers’ pending dues, Aazad said the High Court had ordered payment of 15 per cent interest on the outstanding amount. He alleged that the previous Uttar Pradesh government led by Akhilesh Yadav had put the decision on hold after bringing a proposal before the Cabinet.
He said the High Court later rejected the Cabinet’s decision, while the state government approached the Supreme Court, which also dismissed its special leave petition. Aazad urged that sugarcane farmers be paid their dues along with the interest determined by the courts at the earliest.
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