SRI VIJAYAPURAM: CJP South Zone Coordinator from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands K. Vishwanathan addressed a press briefing regarding a proposed protest scheduled for October 10, 2026, raising concerns over electoral rights and what he described as serious issues surrounding the country’s voting process.

Vishwanathan said a letter seeking permission for the proposed protest had been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, and the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman. He said the organisers were awaiting permission from the authorities and would seek clarification regarding the status of the request.

According to Vishwanathan, the proposed protest is connected with the wider movement being organised across India over allegations concerning the electoral process and what he referred to as “vote theft.” He called for accountability and said that the issue required public attention because, in his view, the right to vote is a fundamental component of the democratic and constitutional system.

Proposed protest in Andaman

Vishwanathan said Tiranga Park at Aberdeen Bazaar had been identified as the proposed location for the protest. He clarified that the location could be changed depending on administrative permission and that any such change would be communicated before the programme.

He also stressed that the proposed gathering would be peaceful.

“If permission is not received, we will still have to consider our constitutional right to hold a peaceful protest,” Vishwanathan said, while reiterating that the organisers had approached the authorities through the proper channel.

He appealed to people from different sections of society, particularly young people, students and other organisations, to understand the issue and participate in the democratic process.

Concerns over voting rights

A significant part of the briefing focused on the importance of voting rights.

Vishwanathan argued that citizens exercise their democratic power through their votes to choose their representatives and governments. He expressed concern over allegations that votes could be improperly deleted or otherwise affected, and said any such development would require public scrutiny.

He also raised concerns regarding the functioning and authority of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), claiming that powers associated with the electoral process were increasingly being centralised.

The allegations and interpretations expressed during the briefing were presented by Vishwanathan as part of CJP's concerns over the electoral process.

Appeal to the youth

Vishwanathan made a particular appeal to the youth of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as well as young people across the country.

He said young people should come forward whenever they believe that constitutional or democratic rights are being affected. He also appealed to senior citizens, parents and people with experience to understand the issue and share their views while remaining within the constitutional framework.

He described the proposed protest in Andaman as part of a larger movement taking place across different parts of India.

According to Vishwanathan, the nationwide protest has been announced for October 10, with a major programme proposed at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Appeal to students, trade unions and political organisations

Towards the end of the briefing, Vishwanathan extended an invitation to student unions, trade unions and political organisations, as well as members of the public, to participate.

At the same time, he made a specific appeal that participants should not bring unrelated political issues or political flags to the proposed gathering.

He said the organisers wanted the protest to remain focused on the issue being raised concerning electoral rights and accountability.

Vishwanathan stated that the central demand of the movement was the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom he held responsible for what he described as serious lapses in the electoral process.

“Andaman will join hands with the country”

Vishwanathan said the proposed protest in the islands should be seen as part of a wider national movement rather than as an issue limited to the Union Territory.

He said people from Andaman & Nicobar could stand alongside citizens in other parts of the country in raising concerns over voting rights and the electoral system.

He concluded by appealing to citizens to participate peacefully, understand the issues involved and protect what he described as the constitutional right to vote.

Dweep Tulika will continue to follow developments regarding the proposed protest, including any official decision on permission and any subsequent change in venue or programme.