New Delhi: The political confrontation between the Opposition and the Election Commission is intensifying, with the INDIA bloc preparing for a larger protest in Delhi over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The mobilization comes after two consecutive days of detentions involving several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Bigger protest planned in Delhi
INDIA bloc MPs are expected to step up their agitation on Thursday, with more lawmakers likely to join the protest. The decision followed a meeting hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, where Opposition parties discussed their next course of action.
Also Read: 'Want 100 FIRs': Rahul Gandhi Steps Up Attack on CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Announces Protest
The Opposition’s immediate demand is the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The parties have also raised objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Delhi: Protests against the SIR and ECI continue, with opposition MPs and several organizations taking to the streets against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. In view of the protests, security has been tightened at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Section 163 of the BNS has also been imposed in several areas of the national capital.
#Delhi #SIR #ECI #GyaneshKumar #JantarMantar
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Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Detained Again
The latest confrontation took place on Wednesday when buses carrying Opposition MPs towards Jantar Mantar were stopped near Ashoka Road. The leaders got off the buses and staged a sit-in after police prevented them from proceeding towards the designated protest venue.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among those detained. Delhi Police said 91 INDIA bloc leaders and workers were taken into custody during the protest.
Priyanka Gandhi later alleged that police personnel handled women MPs during the detention. Police action has become a major point of contention between the Opposition and authorities.
Opposition Seeks Meeting With President
The INDIA bloc is also seeking President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention. A 10-member Opposition delegation is expected to meet the President and raise concerns over the SIR exercise and their demand for action against the CEC.
Also Read: LIVE: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra Lead INDIA Bloc Protest at Jantar Mantar Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Congress Announces Wider Protest
The agitation is no longer limited to Parliament and central Delhi. The Congress has announced protests at state, district and block levels, describing October 8 as a “Black Day” for democracy.
With the Opposition promising to continue its campaign until its demands are addressed, the CEC row is set to remain a major political flashpoint.