The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee observed a ‘Black Day’ in Agartala on October 8, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress leaders alleged that recent developments had undermined democratic rights in the country. Party workers and leaders marched through Agartala wearing black clothes and badges.
Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashish Kumar Saha and senior leader MLA Sudip Roy Barman led the protest. Meanwhile, Congress workers organised similar demonstrations in several districts across Tripura.
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Key Facts
- Event: Congress ‘Black Day’ protest
- Location: Agartala, Tripura
- Date: October 8, 2026
- Main demand: Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Protest leaders: Ashish Kumar Saha and Sudip Roy Barman
- Participants: Congress leaders and party workers
- Main issue: Alleged restrictions on democratic rights
Congress Holds Protest March in Agartala
Congress leaders and workers took part in a protest march in Agartala while wearing black clothes and black badges. The demonstration focused on the party’s concerns over democratic rights and recent political developments.
Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashish Kumar Saha and MLA Sudip Roy Barman led the programme. Several senior Congress leaders and workers also joined the march.
According to Roy Barman, the protest followed alleged police action against Congress leaders and INDIA bloc MPs during a demonstration on Wednesday.
Congress Demands Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
Roy Barman demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He alleged that police action against opposition leaders had restricted their right to protest.
Moreover, he said the Congress would continue its campaign to protect democratic rights and strengthen democratic institutions.
During his address, Roy Barman also raised the slogan “Gyanesh has to go” and urged party workers to continue the movement.
‘Black Day’ Protests Across Tripura
The Congress leader said party workers organised similar programmes in different districts of Tripura. These programmes included marches and demonstrations under the direction of the Pradesh Congress Committee.
Congress leaders used black clothes and badges as symbols of their protest. They said the colour represented their opposition to what they described as restrictions on democratic freedoms.
Furthermore, Roy Barman alleged that authorities were preventing people from participating in peaceful protests. He questioned the use of police action during political demonstrations.
Congress Appeals to People
Roy Barman appealed to citizens to support the Congress movement. According to him, the campaign aims to protect democratic rights and allow people to freely express their political views.
Meanwhile, he said INDIA bloc MPs would approach the Election Commission with several demands.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee also said it would send a delegation to the Election Commission. The delegation will formally present the party’s concerns and demands.
Congress Plans Further Action
Congress leaders indicated that the party could expand its protest campaign in the coming days. They said the movement would continue through demonstrations and other political programmes.
In addition, the party plans to raise its concerns over elections, democratic rights and the treatment of opposition leaders at different forums.
The Congress protest in Tripura comes amid a wider political confrontation between the ruling establishment and opposition parties over electoral and democratic issues.
What happened in Agartala?
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee organised a ‘Black Day’ protest march in Agartala on October 8. Participants wore black clothes and badges while demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
What is Congress demanding?
The Congress is demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has also raised concerns about democratic rights and the freedom to protest.
Who led the protest?
Tripura Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha and senior Congress leader and MLA Sudip Roy Barman led the protest in Agartala.
Will the Congress continue the movement?
Yes. Congress leaders said they would expand the campaign and intensify their protests. In addition, a party delegation will approach the Election Commission with its demands.
Why is Agartala important?
Agartala, the capital of Tripura, serves as a major political centre in Northeast India. Therefore, major political demonstrations in the city often draw attention to wider political developments across the region.
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