Leaders of the INDIA bloc staged a strong protest at JP Chowk in Katihar on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Several senior leaders from the alliance participated, including former CPI(ML) MLA Mehboob Alam, former state minister Dr. Ram Prakash Mahto, and RJD state general secretary Samarendra Kunal.

Protesters burnt an effigy of Gyanesh Kumar, with former MLA Mehboob Alam symbolically beating the effigy with slippers to express their anger. The leaders stated that while it is traditional to burn effigies of Ravana on Vijayadashami, they were burning this effigy to protest forces that undermine democracy.

Mehboob Alam alleged that recent elections were biased, favoring the ruling party, which he deemed a threat to democracy. He demanded Gyanesh Kumar's immediate resignation and warned of intensified protests if he failed to step down.

Former state minister Dr. Ram Prakash Mahto invoked the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan, emphasizing the need to protect the Constitution and democratic values. RJD leader Samarendra Kunal also questioned the election process and leveled serious allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner. He affirmed that the agitation would continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns and action is taken against him.