Kozhikode: AICC General Secretary and Member of Parliament KC Venugopal launched severe allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar, accusing him of criminal behavior and attempts to subvert India’s democratic framework and electoral process. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Desh Bachavo Maha Rally’ held in Kozhikode’s Kadappura, Venugopal targeted both the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with sharp criticism.
Venugopal accused Ganesh Kumar of being the kind of person who would not hesitate to commit any criminal offence, a character trait allegedly proven through his past activities. He claimed that steps are underway in the country that damage the credibility of constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission, creating an environment where even fundamental democratic principles are questioned.
Referring to the general elections held after the Emergency, Venugopal argued that if an election commissioner like Ganesh Kumar had been appointed at that time, then Indira Gandhi would not have faced defeat. However, he emphasized that Congress is not a political party that manipulates the electoral system or tries to overthrow democracy. Instead, Congress has a tradition of accepting the will of the people and upholding democratic values.
Venugopal aggressively criticized Ganesh Kumar’s previous official tenure, alleging he is one of the most corrupt individuals Kerala has ever seen. He charged that while serving in government roles earlier, Ganesh Kumar misappropriated public funds and caused hardship for citizens. Venugopal alleged that whereas earlier Ganesh Kumar had embezzled government money, he is now engaged in actions that suppress people’s voting rights.
Highlighting the foundational democratic principle that every citizen’s vote holds equal importance, Venugopal expressed concern over situations where even constitutional rights guaranteed to citizens are being denied. He accused ongoing attempts to erase citizens’ rights through manipulations related to electoral rolls.
Venugopal also issued a sharp critique of the legal protections granted to the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that the protection afforded surpasses that of even the President of India. He accused the BJP government of enacting laws that make it impossible to take action against the Chief Election Commissioner regardless of any misconduct.
He charged the central government with converting constitutional institutions—meant to guarantee independence and impartiality—into tools for political protection. Venugopal stressed that the Election Commission must operate beyond the interests of both the ruling party and opposition, warning that a loss of credibility in this institution would have severe repercussions for India’s democracy.
Further, Venugopal stated that the rising democratic protests and agitations across the country are exerting pressure on the Election Commission. He alleged that Ganesh Kumar is currently in a position where he cannot respond to public queries and mockingly claimed that he is mentally restless to the point that he cannot sleep even one night in peace.
He asserted that the ongoing protests are unsettling the Election Commissioner and that the fight to protect democratic rights will only intensify. Venugopal warned that not only the current disclosures but even more alarming details are likely to emerge in the coming days. He exhorted the people of India to seriously heed the allegations related to the election system.
Criticizing both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar, Venugopal remarked that the escalating popular protests across the country have unsettled them. He said the struggle to preserve democracy is gaining strength in various parts of India and that both the central government and the Election Commission will eventually have to respond.
Venugopal emphasized that the current climate does not allow either Modi or Ganesh Kumar to sleep peacefully. He reminded everyone that it is a misconception to think that the voice of the people can be suppressed by wielding power, underlining that, in a democracy, the final authority rests with the people.
He also made strong comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political legacy, asserting that Modi would become the most disgraced prime minister in the country’s history, forced out of office in disgrace. Venugopal declared that history would not forgive those who try to cling to power by weakening democratic institutions and denying citizens’ rights.
Venugopal reaffirmed that Congress will not retreat from the struggle to protect the constitution and democracy. He called upon all citizens to uphold the credibility of the democratic system and warned that protests defending the right to vote and constitutional rights are bound to grow stronger.
The critical statements and allegations by KC Venugopal were made during his address at the Desh Bachavo Maha Rally held in Kadappura, Kozhikode, targeting both the central government and the Chief Election Commissioner.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
