The INDIA opposition bloc has scheduled a protest march in New Delhi today, stretching from India Gate to the Supreme Court. The demonstration is part of a series of ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Youth Congress has issued a public appeal for citizens to join the march to protect the Constitution and democracy.
In a video message released on social media, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged citizens to participate regardless of their background. "We do not want this kind of India. On October 12, we are marching from India Gate to the Supreme Court. I request everyone to participate, irrespective of party, gender, caste, community, or state. We must stop the theft of votes and demand a stay on the SIR process," Gandhi stated. He added that the coalition intends to present a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India to highlight their demands, including the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, and to demonstrate national unity and brotherhood.
Opposition leaders from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, as well as representatives from the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and various Left parties, are expected to participate. The coalition has planned to conclude the march by submitting a formal petition to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant.
Rahul Gandhi, in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has already written to the Chief Justice requesting an appointment. The delegation of INDIA bloc leaders is expected to meet with the Chief Justice between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. today.
This protest follows a week of sustained agitation by the opposition. On October 6, a march was held from the Parliament complex toward the Election Commission, followed by a sit-in protest near Jantar Mantar on October 7 involving Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. On October 8, coalition leaders held a prayer protest at the Gandhi memorial, and on October 9, they submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu demanding the removal of the Election Commissioner.
