The opposition INDIA alliance has announced a nationwide protest from October 2 to October 8, alleging irregularities in the Election Commission’s functioning. The parties said the agitation will be held under the banner “Save Democracy.”
Leaders said the protest is being planned in response to complaints including alleged lapses in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and claims of “vote theft.” The alliance also raised questions about the role of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the conduct of the SIR exercise.
The decision was taken at a coordination meeting in New Delhi attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, and representatives of parties including the Samajwadi Party, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, VCK and MDMK.
Kharge said protests will be held in front of collectorate offices across the country during the period, and the alliance will seek to “inform the public” about its allegation that the BJP has taken control of the Election Commission.
He added that all opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission on October 6. The alliance also plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to present its claims of irregularities in the Election Commission, with INDIA bloc leaders expected to participate.
