INDIA bloc demands paper ballots, targets CEC and PM Modi over voter roll row

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, prominent leaders of the INDIA bloc convened in Delhi to deliberate on critical issues, with a particular emphasis on the irregularities surrounding the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) exercise. The primary objective of the gathering was to craft a comprehensive action plan for a nationwide joint protest against the Election Commission (EC) in response to the alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and to advocate for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

During the meeting, several key figures from the opposition parties participated, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and K. C. Venugopal, and leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Additionally, representatives from various other parties such as the Samajwadi Party (SP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and others were present at the deliberations.

However, some notable parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), abstained from attending, citing different reasons.

While the DMK and AAP did not participate, they were open to discussions regarding their potential involvement. Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal confirmed that the DMK had always been a part of the INDIA bloc ideologically, but due to their stance against attacking democracy, they were not part of the current meeting. Venugopal stated that they would evaluate the situation and decide on their participation in the future.

In light of the meeting, the opposition INDIA bloc seeks to present a united front against the BJP government, specifically targeting the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. With the previous INDIA bloc meeting held on June 8, this gathering aims to solidify the opposition's resolve and strategize a unified approach in the upcoming parliamentary proceedings.