CPI(M) stages night march in Keralam’s Malappuram demanding resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over ‘denial of voting rights’

CPI(M) march through Malappuram town on Monday evening demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

Thousands of people on Monday took part in a night march organized by the Malappuram district committee of the CPI(M) in Kerala, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar for allegedly denying voting rights to millions of citizens. The march also expressed solidarity with the protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The participants carried torches, placards, banners and party flags and raised slogans against Mr Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They accused the CEC of acting in the interest of the Sangh Parivar.

Traditional artistic performances and “Azadi” slogans were also part of the march.

The march started near EMS Mandiram, the CPI(M) district committee office, passed through the city and ended near Taluk Government Hospital. CPI(M) district secretariat members KP Anil, E. Jayan, V. Sasikumar, VM Shoukath, KP Sumathi and B. Mohammed Razaq were among those who led the march.

CPI(M) Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan opened the closing meeting. VP District Secretary Anil pledged to protect the institute. Former minister KT Jaleel addressed the rally. Singers Pushpavathy and Athul Narukara performed at the event.

CPI(M) politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan and former minister KT Jaleel were among those who pledged to protect the constitution at a CPI(M) march in Malappuram on Monday evening. | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

Addressing the rally, Mr Vijayaraghavan alleged that “communalism has grown under BJP rule” and that the Election Commission of India is “undermining democracy” under the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He claimed that the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls had deprived nearly 13 million people of their voting rights. Universal adult suffrage was guaranteed by the Constitution, and people never had to try to secure that right, he said. He blamed the Chief Election Commissioner and the Prime Minister for the removal attempt.

Mr Vijayaraghavan said around 50,000 police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed in Delhi to handle the protest, turning the national capital into a city of barricades. He also alleged that minorities were suppressed and people’s rights were violated under the BJP government.

He criticizes the Kerala government

He criticized the Kerala government and accused the ruling state government of compromising with the BJP. He also criticized Chief Minister VD Satheesan, alleging that some political leaders were more concerned with securing control over the State Waqf Board than addressing broader political issues.

Mr Vijayaraghavan warned that those who try to weaken the Left will “ultimately fail”.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 11:38 IST