OPCC chief falls ill during protest over Election Commission issues; Congress reiterates demand for action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
GTNS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 , BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das was hospitalised after falling ill during Friday’s protest in Bhubaneswar, as the state Congress unit joined the wider party mobilisation over issues concerning the Election Commission and the ongoing debate around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A local report said doctors advised Das to take rest for a week.
Despite the health setback, Das indicated that his political campaign would continue after his recovery. In a message issued from his office, he said his determination would not be weakened and that he intended to return to the streets once his health improved.
Protest centred on Election Commission
The protest formed part of a wider Congress campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Congress has been demanding his removal and has also called for an independent review of decisions and electoral-roll changes made during his tenure.
The party’s latest nationwide programme called for state Congress units to march towards State Election Commission offices on September 25. District Congress Committees have separately been asked to organise protests at district collectorates on September 28.
In Odisha, the issue has become part of the state Congress’s broader political mobilisation, with the party raising questions about the electoral-roll revision process and the functioning of the Election Commission.
Das renews demand for CEC’s resignation
Following his hospitalisation, Das reiterated his demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The Congress has made the demand a prominent part of its current campaign, linking it to its objections concerning the electoral-roll revision process.
The party has also sought an independent examination of decisions and changes to electoral rolls associated with the current Election Commission leadership. These are political demands and allegations made by the Congress, rather than findings established by an adjudicating authority.
Health setback does not end political campaign
Das’s hospitalisation came as the Congress intensified its street-level mobilisation. His decision to publicly signal a return to political activity after recovery indicates that the Odisha unit intends to maintain pressure on the issue.
The development also comes at a time when the Congress is conducting protests in several parts of the country over its concerns relating to the Election Commission and SIR. National Congress leaders have announced further demonstrations through state and district-level organisations.
Odisha Congress prepares for further mobilisation
The latest protest is part of a wider period of political activity by the Odisha Congress. Under Das, the state unit has recently announced other agitation programmes on separate issues, including the MMDR Amendment Act, showing that the party is pursuing multiple campaigns against the state and central governments.
For the immediate future, attention is on Das’s recovery and the next programme to be announced by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee.
The Congress has made clear that its demands concerning the Election Commission and electoral-roll revision will remain part of its ongoing political campaign, while the Election Commission and the concerned authorities would have the opportunity to respond to the party’s allegations and demands.
GTNS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026