‘Vote theft’: IAS Association slams trolls for targeting CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s family
New Delhi: The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association has condemned the online trolling of the family of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar after Rahul Gandhi-led Opposition alleged that the poll panel was involved in ‘vote theft’.
Gyanesh Kumar’s family members, particularly his daughters, are being targeted on social media platform over the last few days.
In a post on its ‘X’ account, the Association has expressed its displeasure regarding the trolling, saying, “The IAS Association notes with concern that unwarranted criticism has been directed against the family members of the Chief Election Commissioner, who also happen to be well reputed civil servants.”
The Association has further stated, “The IAS Association strongly deprecates such personal attacks unconnected with the discharge of official duties. We stand for the dignity and integrity in public service.”
Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, had taken charge as CEC in February 2025.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged recently that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being undertaken in Bihar showed irregularities, adding in a press conference in Karnataka that the statistics from the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 show irregularities. He has also accused the Election Commission of indulging in ‘vote theft’ for the benefit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Both the Election Commission and the CEC have denied the charges and, in a press conference on Sunday, Gyanesh Kumar demanded that the LoP either prove his charges by submitting an affidavit or apologize.
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Yenepoya University conducts autism awareness campaign in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) conducted a community-based Autism Awareness Campaign at Fiza Mall and Ullal Beach in the city.
The campaign was aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism, in line with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
The programme was led by Dr. Dhayanithi K and Dr. Ananya Jana as organising chairpersons, with Dr. Anas, Dr. Amanda S. Phillip, and Dr. Ansu V. David served as organising members.
Students of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme participated in conducting the campaign.
The event included activities such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct interaction with the public.
These activities focused on highlighting early signs of autism, the need for early intervention, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism.
The campaign reached around 300 to 500 members of the public. It also provided students with practical exposure to community-based rehabilitation and public health education.
As part of the initiative, QR-based digital resources were introduced to help the public access reliable information on autism.
“Awareness is the first step towards inclusion, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” the organising team said.
The department thanked the university for its support in organising the campaign. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the management of Fiza Mall and the Ullal Beach Police Department in facilitating the event.
