New Delhi, September 30 (TNA) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday announced a series of protests by the INDIA bloc against the Election Commission over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Kharge said INDIA bloc parties would organise “Save Democracy” marches and demonstrations outside District Magistrate offices across the country from October 2 to October 8. The Opposition has alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and raised questions about the functioning of constitutional institutions.
Opposition MPs to March to ECI
Kharge said all Opposition MPs would march to the Election Commission on October 6 to register their protest.
The Congress chief said MPs from different Opposition parties, along with other leaders who wanted to protect democracy, would be invited to join the march. The protest is expected to focus on the Opposition’s allegations of electoral irregularities and its demand for greater transparency in the SIR exercise.
Meeting with President Planned
Kharge also announced that Opposition leaders would seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October. The delegation will submit a representation outlining what the Opposition described as difficulties and constitutional challenges arising from the functioning of the Election Commission and the alleged takeover of institutions.
The INDIA bloc is also planning five major rallies in October and November as part of its wider campaign on the alleged “vote chori” issue. The Opposition has demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and has raised concerns over the electoral-roll revision process.