INDIA bloc leaders march towards Election Commission office; Rahul Gandhi asks why poll officials are refusing to meet opposition MPs
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday intensified his attack on the Election Commission, accusing the poll body of failing to address the Opposition’s concerns over electoral rolls and alleged “vote theft”.
Rahul Gandhi led several INDIA bloc leaders and MPs in a march towards the Election Commission office in Delhi. The Delhi Police stopped the protesters on their way and detained several opposition leaders after they tried to move ahead.
Rahul Gandhi questions Election Commission
Speaking during the protest, Rahul Gandhi questioned why the Election Commission had not agreed to meet the opposition MPs. He claimed that nearly 300 MPs had come to meet the Election Commissioners and present their concerns.
Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition wanted to meet the poll authorities and seek answers about the electoral process. He questioned the need for police intervention when elected representatives wanted to meet the constitutional body.
The Congress leader also launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
‘Vote Chori’ becomes centre of Opposition protest
Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling establishment of manipulating the electoral process and alleged that “vote theft” had undermined democracy.
He said those responsible for allegedly compromising the electoral system would have to answer for their actions. Rahul also warned that no one involved would escape accountability.
The Opposition has repeatedly raised questions over electoral rolls and demanded greater transparency from the Election Commission.
Opposition MPs march from Parliament
The INDIA bloc MPs began their march from the Parliament complex and moved towards the Election Commission’s office. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other opposition leaders joined Rahul Gandhi.
The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Save Democracy” and “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” as they demanded answers from the Election Commission.
Delhi Police placed barricades along the route and stopped the protesters. After the police halted the march, several opposition leaders sat on the road and staged a protest.
Police detain Rahul, Priyanka and other leaders
The situation escalated when Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders attempted to move beyond the barricades.
Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several other opposition leaders. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and leaders from other INDIA bloc parties also took part in the protest.
Opposition leaders criticised the police action and argued that elected MPs should have the right to meet the Election Commission and raise questions about the electoral process.
SIR and electoral rolls fuel political confrontation
The protest comes amid a wider political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have alleged that changes to voter lists could affect the electoral process and have demanded greater transparency from the Election Commission.
The Election Commission, however, has rejected the allegations and defended the SIR process. The poll body has maintained that it follows established rules while preparing and revising electoral rolls.
Political battle over Election Commission intensifies
Tuesday’s confrontation has further intensified the political battle between the Opposition and the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders have presented the issue as a fight to protect democracy and ensure transparency in elections.
The Election Commission, on the other hand, has rejected the allegations against it.
With the Opposition continuing to raise the “vote chori” issue, the controversy over electoral rolls and SIR is likely to remain a major political flashpoint in Parliament and on the streets in the days ahead.
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