Hundreds of Indian Overseas Congress (UK) – Kerala Chapter activists and supporters gathered in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Parliament Square, London, in a strong show of solidarity with the ongoing movement in Delhi, demanding greater transparency in India’s electoral process and the protection of constitutional values.
Organised by the IOC (UK) – Kerala Chapter, the protest saw demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Participants called for greater accountability, impartiality and transparency in the functioning of India’s electoral system, expressing concerns over the independence and credibility of key democratic institutions.
The rally transformed the iconic Parliament Square into a focal point of protest, amplifying the concerns raised in Delhi and demonstrating the Indian diaspora’s willingness to engage with critical issues affecting India’s constitutional framework. Speakers emphasised that public confidence in elections depends on the impartial functioning of institutions and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The protest was inaugurated by Suju K Daniel, President of the IOC (UK) Kerala Chapter’s London Area. Shinu Clare Mathews, President of IOC (UK) Kerala Chapter’s Midlands Area attended as the chief guest and conveyed her felicitations. Chapter Vice-President Appa Gafoor welcomed the gathering. Chapter Vice-Presidents Babykutty George, Ashwathy Nair, General Secretaries Romy Kuriyakose, Ajith Venmony, Ashraf Abdullah, Secretary, Rony, IOC (UK) National Spokesperson Ajith Muthayil and Leaders Saju Manakkuzhi, Jose Kochupurackal led the protest and spoke. Kerala Chapter Treasurer Biju Varghese proposed the vote of thanks.
Several other leaders from different parts of the United Kingdom to included Aji George, Shaji Anand, Rajan Padiyil, Jawaharlal, Ashraf, Baby Lukose and Shaijan Jose, among others.
The IOC (UK) youth wing also played an active role in the demonstration outside the Mahatma Gandhi statue, reinforcing the organisation’s efforts to mobilise younger members of the Indian diaspora around electoral integrity and institutional accountability.
Later in the afternoon, members of the IOC (UK) Kerala Chapter and its youth wing joined a separate protest gathering led by social media influencer Dhruv Rathee at Parliament Square, expressing solidarity with the movement in Delhi.
Throughout the demonstration, protesters stressed that safeguarding India’s constitutional framework requires more than political slogans. They called for independent institutions, credible elections and effective protection of citizens’ rights, describing these principles as essential to maintaining public trust in the country’s governance.
The gathering also highlighted the role of overseas Indians in raising awareness of constitutional and electoral issues beyond India’s borders. Participants stressed that protecting civil liberties, upholding constitutional principles and ensuring institutional accountability are shared responsibilities that extend beyond national boundaries.
The London rally sent a clear message of solidarity from sections of the Indian diaspora, with the IOC (UK) Kerala Chapter seeking to amplify calls for electoral transparency and accountability on an international platform.
Leave a Reply