Kharge targets Gyanesh Kumar, urges rally on Nov 1

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called upon supporters to participate in the INDIA bloc's November 1 "Save Votes–Save the Nation" march and rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. He accused the Narendra Modi government of shielding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from scrutiny regarding irregularities in electoral rolls.

Kharge asserted that the Election Commission had refused to reveal the software utilized during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing "Trade Secrets." Additionally, he alleged that details of 16.18 lakh Form-6 applications in Uttar Pradesh remained undisclosed, and irregularities involving 10,470 voters were found in records from Pilibhit.

Kharge emphasized the need for increased accountability in the electoral process and outlined three demands: CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and the repeal of the 2023 law governing his appointment; a suspension of SIR and the restoration of illegally removed voter names; and the use of paper ballots in all elections. The Opposition campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and the demand for accountability from the Election Commission were central to the rally's message.

However, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) expressed concern over the rally's potential impact on business and market access during the festive season, urging the INDIA bloc to postpone the demonstration. Kharge acknowledged traders' concerns and stated that the INDIA bloc would deliberate on the issue before making a decision.

The November 1 rally remains a significant part of the Opposition's campaign against alleged electoral fraud and their demand for accountability from the Election Commission.