The Himachal Pradesh Congress organised statewide protests on September 25, 2026, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests were a response to the party’s grievances regarding the operations of the Election Commission of India (ECI), highlighting what they termed arbitrary and undemocratic actions affecting electoral integrity. Congress units in all twelve district headquarters took part in the demonstrations and presented memoranda to the President of India via respective Deputy Commissioners.

In Shimla, both rural and urban Congress committees collaborated to deliver a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. They expressed their discontent with the Election Commission’s procedures and reiterated their call for the Chief Election Commissioner’s removal. The Congress has raised concerns over the methods employed in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging various irregularities. Previously, the party had held similar protests, including a demonstration at the Election Department office located in Kasumpti earlier this month.

District Congress Committee Shimla Rural president Harikrishna Himral spoke to ANI following the submission of the memorandum. He remarked that the Congress had approached the President through the Deputy Commissioner to address significant concerns about the Election Commission’s functioning. Himral mentioned that even the two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had expressed doubts regarding what he termed the Chief Election Commissioner’s alleged monopoly over decision-making.

Allegations of Electoral Irregularities

Himral further referenced comments made by party leader Rahul Gandhi about “vote theft,” illustrating the Congress’s determination to contest what they perceive as manipulations in the electoral process. He stated that the party has been vocal about this issue through multiple layers of protests at the state, district, and block levels over the past three years.

During the protest, numerous constituents conveyed sentiments that local conditions favoured the Congress but that the BJP emerged victorious without substantial representation or community development. Himral raised questions about the implications of recent electoral roll revisions, stating that the SIR process might unfavourably impact opposition voters and claimed that the Congress had garnered support from over twelve crore voters in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Himral pointed out the absurdity of requiring long-time citizens to prove their citizenship, questioning the justice of such demands. He indicated that the memorandum served to awaken public consciousness regarding these critical electoral issues. The party is not only advocating for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation but is also pushing for legal action, including the initiation of cases based on provisions used by Congress.

Future Plans and Continued Protests

Himral announced that the Congress would escalate its campaign if their demands remain ignored. He mentioned the party’s commitment to participating in peaceful and democratic protests, while also cautioning that rising public dissatisfaction could lead to more significant demonstrations. Emphasising that the right to vote is fundamental, he asserted that any infringement upon this right would inevitably raise questions among the electorate.

In addition, Shimla Urban Congress president Inderjeet Singh submitted a memorandum alongside other party members, voicing similar frustrations about the Election Commission’s recent actions. Singh claimed that the ECI’s procedures lacked impartiality and transparency, thereby threatening the core principles of free and fair elections.

The Shimla Urban Congress reiterated their demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation and called for legal accountability concerning recent controversies. Numerous party members were present during the memorandum’s submission, reflecting the Congress’s commitment to rallying support against perceived injustices in the electoral system.

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