NEW DELHI, October 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday led Opposition leaders in a march towards the Supreme Court, intensifying their campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The march follows Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s refusal to meet Opposition leaders.
Opposition Leaders Take to the Streets
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and other Opposition representatives, began the foot march after addressing a press conference. AISA leader Neha Bora was also among those participating.
Before the march, Gandhi addressed the media for approximately 40 minutes, describing the protest as a collective movement that anyone could join. He compared it to a baraat of Lord Shiva, emphasising that people from different backgrounds were welcome to participate.
The march forms part of the Opposition’s broader campaign against alleged electoral malpractice, which it has termed “vote chori”.
Why Did the CJI Refuse to Meet Opposition Leaders?
On Sunday, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Chief Justice Surya Kant seeking an appointment to submit a memorandum concerning the SIR exercise and their allegations against the Election Commission.
However, the CJI declined the request, indicating that matters relating to the allegations were already pending before the Supreme Court. He advised the leaders to pursue the matter through appropriate judicial proceedings rather than seeking administrative intervention.
What Is the Opposition Demanding?
The Opposition is demanding a halt to the SIR exercise, action over alleged electoral irregularities and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. It has also called for a return to paper ballots.
Rahul Gandhi has maintained that the campaign is aimed at protecting democratic institutions and constitutional rights. The Opposition now plans to approach the Supreme Court through a formal petition, seeking judicial consideration of its allegations.