Left Women’s Organisations Protest in Delhi, Demand Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation

New Delhi: The national capital has been swept by protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Left women’s organisations are holding a protest in Delhi today, with a major mobilisation led by All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) president P K Sreemathy.

The women’s organisations have launched the agitation demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and protesting against the violence unleashed by the Delhi Police and central forces against women demonstrating in the capital. The protesters have blocked the road in front of the police headquarters.

Police officials said no senior officers were present at the site despite prior notification. The women’s organisations had informed the authorities in advance that they would submit a memorandum protesting the brutal assault on women who had come to demonstrate.

Despite being informed, the police leadership was unwilling either to hold discussions or to receive the complaint. P K Sreemathy said the protesters had not come merely to hand over a memorandum to any available officer and leave. Normally, when a protest is scheduled, the senior official responsible for issuing directions would be present at the location, she said.

“Despite informing them that we would come to convey our concerns, they are not here. This shows their indifference towards women’s safety. The officers have shut the police headquarters and left like cowards,” she said.

The protesters intend to meet the Commissioner and demand action against the police officers who assaulted the women. If he remains in hiding, the agitation will continue until he comes out, P K Sreemathy said.