Leaders of opposition parties announced on Sunday that they shall march to the Supreme Court (SC) from India Gate on Monday and seek the intervention of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant in the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The delegation is likely to meet the CJI after 4 pm, as the INDIA bloc intensifies its stir against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who did not show up in the previous two marches, is also expected to chip in, The march has been proposed after authorities launched a sweeping security crackdown in central Delhi which resulted in thousands of detentions, as efforts were made to avert a movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding the removal of the CEC.
The Opposition has pleaded with the citizens, civil society groups and supporters of democracy to join Monday’s march.
Venugopal voices demand for nationwide support
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal urged the people concerned about the state of Indian democracy to take part in the stir, accusing the ruling government of orchestrating what the Opposition has termed ‘vote chori (vote theft).’
He asserted, “We appeal to every Indian concerned about the survival of Indian democracy to join us in a massive protest march in Delhi on Monday.” He went on to say that MPs, leaders and workers of the INDIA bloc, alongside concerned citizens, would march against CEC Kumar and would also submit a memorandum to the CJI through a delegation of senior Opposition leaders.
“Daro Mat,” says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also raised demands for widespread participation, saying the march would bring Indians across political affiliations, gender, caste, community and state boundaries together. Posting on ‘X,’ Gandhi said the Opposition would submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice on behalf of the nation, demanding an end to alleged electoral malpractice, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
He appealed to the young people, opposition parties and civil society organisations to join the march, invoking the Constitutional and democratic values. His post read, “Daro mat. Tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court,” adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat had allegedly silenced dissent.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
His strong-worded remarks underscored the Opposition’s determination to keep the agitation in force despite the curbs imposed by authorities.
Saturday’s crackdown fuels calls for fresh protest
Gandhi then slammed the handling of Saturday’s demonstration at Jantar Mantar, alleging that young protestors who had congregated peacefully were roughed up by the cops and BJP workers.
He wrote, “This is not the India we want,” condemning the reported mistreatment of the agitators.