Congress lawmakers brandish banners urging CEC Gyanesh Kumar to quit during J&K assembly session

Congress members interrupted the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on September 26, 2026 by marching into the chamber with placards demanding that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down. The protest unfolded during the Question Hour of the Autumn Session in Srinagar. Their signs read that democracy hinges on free and fair polls and called for the commissioner’s removal. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stopped the display, reminding the legislators that the Election Commission operates independently of the assembly and ordered them to return to their seats, warning of possible action. CPI(M) representative M.Y. Tarigami voiced support for the Congress protestors. At the same time, a separate rally took place in Jammu where Congress workers gathered outside the Nirvachan Bhawan. The demonstration was led by Congress MP and J&K in‑charge Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, who, along with senior local leaders, demanded both the resignation and prosecution of the CEC. Police detained several participants. Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress figure Tara Chand said large numbers of activists were arrested while pressing for the commissioner’s ouster. The dual protests highlighted the party’s dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s recent actions and sparked a brief disruption of legislative business.