BJP Backs CEC Gyanesh Kumar as Congress Protests Spread

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar deserves the Padma Bhushan, as Congress-led protests against the CEC intensified nationwide on Friday. Demonstrations were held in Delhi, Patna, Chandigarh and other states over the Election Commission's handling of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police used water cannons in Patna, and Congress leaders were detained in Guwahati.