Tripura Congress observes ‘Black Day’, seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 9, 2026

The Tripura Pradesh Congress on Thursday observed a statewide ‘Black Day’ protest, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleging that democratic rights were being eroded.

Congress leaders and workers, dressed in black and wearing black badges, took part in protests and processions in Agartala and other districts of the state.

The agitation was led in the state capital by Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and other party leaders and workers.

Addressing the gathering, Saha criticised the alleged police action against senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, as well as Members of Parliament and other INDIA bloc leaders during a protest in New Delhi a day earlier.

Saha alleged that opposition voices and peaceful demonstrations were being obstructed and said the right to protest was coming under increasing pressure.

He said the demand for Kumar’s resignation had become a central issue for the Congress as part of its campaign to protect democratic institutions. He also said the party would continue its agitation.

Explaining the decision to wear black, Saha said the Congress viewed the present situation as a dark phase for Indian democracy. He alleged that police intervention was being used to restrict democratic protests.

“This is a democratic nation, and citizens must be allowed to express their views through peaceful protest. Preventing people from taking to the streets and curbing dissent is not healthy for democracy,” Saha said.

The Congress said similar programmes were organised in all districts of Tripura as part of the statewide protest.

Party leaders also appealed to people to join what they described as a movement to protect democratic values. The party said INDIA bloc MPs would approach the Election Commission with a set of demands and concerns in the coming days.

The Tripura Pradesh Congress indicated that the agitation would continue and could be expanded as part of a nationwide campaign.

The allegations made by the Congress were not independently verified. There was no immediate response from the Election Commission or the BJP to the allegations.

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