Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, October 6: The major political protest unfolded in the national capital on Tuesday as MPs of the INDIA bloc marched from Parliament towards the Election Commission of India, demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The march began at around 10:30 am from Makar Dwar of Parliament, with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee and leaders of other parliamentary parties, taking part in the demonstration.

The INDIA bloc has put forward a common set of demands as part of the protest. Along with demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the opposition alliance is also seeking his arrest, alleging that the Election Commission has compromised voters’ rights and that irregularities have taken place in the electoral process.

While walking with the protesters during the march, Abhishek Banerjee strongly attacked the Election Commission and alleged that the opposition’s earlier concerns had now been reflected in observations made during proceedings in the Supreme Court.

“The Commission’s theft has been exposed. What we had said six months or a year ago is the same thing that a Supreme Court judge is saying today. Yesterday, the Supreme Court observed that Form 6 had not been approved in the manner claimed. Our entire demand has received recognition. If Form 6 was not approved by the Supreme Court, then the entire SIR process is illegal,” Abhishek said.

Abhishek further intensified his criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded not merely his resignation but his arrest. He alleged that Kumar had acted in a manner that benefited the BJP and deprived people of their democratic rights.

“Gyanesh Kumar has favoured the BJP and curtailed the rights of the people. Names have been removed from voter lists in Bengal, Bihar and Maharashtra. Even in the tribunal, the names of lakhs of people remain on the unresolved list. Vote thief Gyanesh Kumar should not just resign, he must be arrested,” Abhishek said.

He also claimed that people had taken to the streets because they believed their democratic rights had been affected and alleged that the protests had made the ruling establishment nervous.

“He has curtailed people’s rights. That is why people are on the streets. And because people are on the streets, the ruling establishment is afraid. The Modi government is afraid,” Abhishek said.

The opposition march was stopped by barricades approximately 500 metres away from the Election Commission office. Heavy security arrangements were put in place in the area, with police and security personnel deployed to control the movement of protesters. Drone surveillance was also being conducted as part of the security measures.

The arrangements for the day’s programme, permission had reportedly been granted only to MPs and members of the media to participate in the designated protest activity. However, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was also seen arriving at the spot along with party workers and supporters.

The demonstration progressed, repeated announcements were made asking protesters not to cross the police barricades. The situation gradually became tense, with an atmosphere of confrontation developing between the protesting opposition leaders and Delhi Police.

The march has added another chapter to the ongoing political confrontation between the INDIA bloc and the Election Commission. Opposition parties have continued to raise allegations concerning voter lists and the electoral process, while the protest in Delhi has brought the issue directly to the national political stage.