Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: INDIA bloc's ‘public impeachment’ of CEC Gyanesh Kumar to take place today

Over the weekend, India's INDIA bloc announced plans for a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, set to take place on Saturday, October 31, despite earlier postponements due to rain. The rally will commence at noon from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction, with the final destination being Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed the rally plans during an Instagram Ask Me Anything session.

This protest was sparked by a report by the Indian Express alleging that election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected on multiple occasions to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The INDIA bloc's protest would mark a significant escalation in their opposition to CEC Kumar, who they claim has subverted the Constitution of India at the behest of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.

In a separate development, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) extended its support to the INDIA bloc's planned rally, urging citizens to join the movement on November 1 to protect their voting rights and uphold democracy. Neha Bora, the president of All India Students' Association (AISA), echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens to attend the rally at Ramlila Maidan to safeguard electoral integrity.

In response to the INDIA bloc's protest, Congress leader Sachin Pilot stated that the opposition had the right to raise concerns over CEC Kumar's actions and demand answers. Pilot emphasized the importance of a fair electoral process and highlighted the tangible evidence of irregularities under Kumar's tenure, including the striking off of 13.3 crore names from electoral rolls. The Congress leader called for a transparent and impartial Election Commission to ensure the sanctity of democracy.