Pics: Niranjan MN

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 11: Describing the protest as a fight to protect the soul of democracy, Solidarity Youth Movement leader Nihal Kidiyoor said the struggle was between two ideologies — that of Nathuram Godse and that of Mahatma Gandhi.

He was speaking at a protest organised by Solidarity Udupi at Ajjarkad in Udupi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the immediate release of activists and protesters detained during a demonstration in Delhi.

“Our path has always been that of Gandhi. However, the BJP government is attempting to suppress our voices, just as Godse silenced Gandhi,” Nihal said. Expressing concern over the government's approach, which he compared to the methods of Mussolini and Hitler, he said such actions undermined the true meaning of freedom. He demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners.

Speaking on the occasion, Amrit Shenoy said the Election Commission must function with complete transparency. However, he alleged that the commission was acting unconstitutionally by engaging in irregularities. He described those taking to the streets to oppose such alleged anti-constitutional actions as true patriots.

Sundar Master alleged that the BJP-led Union government, which came to power by exploiting religious divisions between Hindus and Muslims, was now attempting to undermine democracy. He further alleged that Gyanesh Kumar had betrayed the country's transparent electoral system and demanded his immediate resignation.

Idris Hoode and other leaders also addressed the gathering.

APCR state secretary Hussain Kodibengre, Minority Forum president Charles Ambler, Udupi District Muslim Federation vice-president Sayeed Fareed, Manjunath Giliyaru, Shyamraj Birti, Kulsum Abubakkar, Abdul Aziz Udyavara, SIO's Nifal Kidiyoor and Nisar Udupi were among those present.

Yaseen Kodibengre compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.