Amid SIR row, INDIA bloc puts up united front, targets PM Modi, Shah

NEW DELHI: The opposition INDIA bloc declared a month-long nationwide protest, commencing on October 2, in response to CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Modi. The demonstration, echoing calls from student bodies such as the Cockroach Janata Party, demanded a return to paper ballots and reinstatement of pre-SIR electoral rolls for future elections.

Additionally, the bloc called for an effective appeals process for voters omitted from the rolls and demanded the immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition's collective stance was articulated by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who announced the first six days of protests would involve district-level "Save Democracy" rallies, with opposition MPs marching to the Election Commission's office in Delhi on October 6.

The bloc plans to organize five significant rallies across major cities between October and November, culminating in a massive demonstration in Delhi on November 1. To exert pressure, the opposition is seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu in October to discuss their grievances related to SIR and Election Commission practices.

Notable figures from 19 parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party, attended the meeting. The opposition has temporarily halted plans to submit a new removal notice against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, acknowledging his alleged alignment with Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the opposition's commitment to upholding the Indian Constitution and vowed to punish those who have undermined Indian democracy.