A major political confrontation unfolded in the national capital on Tuesday as INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament towards the Election Commission of India headquarters, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising allegations over the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Opposition’s protest is part of its broader “Save Democracy” campaign, launched after INDIA bloc leaders met on September 30. The parties have accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and have demanded greater transparency in the process.
Rahul Gandhi, Kharge lead Opposition protest
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were among the prominent leaders taking part in the march. Leaders and MPs from several INDIA bloc parties joined the demonstration as it moved from Parliament towards Nirvachan Sadan.
The protesters raised slogans including “Save Democracy” and “Save My Vote”, while demanding accountability from the poll panel. Rahul Gandhi also carried a poster targeting the CEC, later posting the message “Gyanesh, it’s done bro. Time to resign” on social media.
The march, however, was stopped by Delhi Police before the protesters could reach the Election Commission headquarters. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders were subsequently detained after the standoff with police.
Opposition’s allegations over SIR
At the centre of the confrontation is the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which the Opposition claims has raised serious questions about voter inclusion and exclusion.
INDIA bloc leaders have demanded that the pre-SIR electoral rolls be used for future elections and that voters receive adequate notice, reasons and an effective appeal mechanism before their names are removed. They have also sought complete transparency in additions, deletions and corrections to electoral rolls.
The Opposition has further demanded safeguards against the exclusion of eligible voters because of administrative failures or documentation-related issues.
The political dispute intensified after reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on multiple occasions over SIR-related orders and directions, allegedly saying that some decisions had been issued without their knowledge or recommendation. The Election Commission has rejected suggestions of a division within the three-member panel and maintained that decisions concerning SIR were taken unanimously.
The issue has also reached the Supreme Court. The court has indicated that decisions by the Election Commission that are not in accordance with law, or that were not taken collectively as required, could face judicial scrutiny.
DMK, AAP stay away
While several Opposition parties participated in Tuesday’s mobilisation, the Aam Aadmi Party and DMK did not join the INDIA bloc march. The AAP said it was pursuing the issue separately.
The Biju Janata Dal, meanwhile, announced that its MPs would participate in the protest over what it described as concerns surrounding the SIR exercise and electoral rolls.
Heavy security, traffic restrictions in Delhi
Security was significantly tightened around Parliament, Vijay Chowk and the Election Commission headquarters ahead of the march. Multiple layers of barricades were installed, with Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed in the area. Traffic restrictions were also imposed across several stretches of central Delhi.
The INDIA bloc has said its campaign will continue beyond Tuesday. District-level marches, meetings and demonstrations are planned through October 8, while Opposition leaders have also announced plans for a larger “Save Democracy” rally in Delhi on November 1.
