Beyond SIR, the movement should be about reclaiming democratic spaces — not regime change

The massive rally organized by the INDIA bloc on Sunday did not anticipate Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. However, the protest surpassed expectations, leading to a broader responsibility among all involved in the month-long struggle. The opposition parties, including AAP, DMK, BJD, BRS, and YSRCP, have joined forces against the SIR (Surrogacy in Elections) and the Election Commission of India (ECI).

This unprecedented full-spectrum vote of no confidence by the parliamentary Opposition against the ECI is akin to all non-host teams demanding the replacement of the tournament referee in a sports event. The "Vote Bachao Desh Bachao" rally and the "public impeachment" of Gyanesh Kumar have expanded the opposition's definition beyond political parties.

Civil society organizations and movements have led the campaign against the SIR, participating in mock parliaments and rallies. Influential figures like Dhruv Rathee and farmer leaders like Rakesh Tikait endorsed the rally, showcasing confidence in standing for the people at large. The rally marked a significant landmark in popular acceptance of the "vote chori" narrative, with the Indian Express exposing multiple scandals of the SIR, unconstitutional functioning of the ECI, and other irregularities.

The public now recognizes underlying issues, leading to a shift in collective common sense towards a "rotten" system. The "public impeachment" has further propelled this popular narrative, imposing a historic responsibility on all contributors to the protests. The movement should now focus on reclaiming democratic space, rather than merely removing Gyanesh Kumar and rolling back the SIR.

While a call for "regime change" is not necessary on the streets, it remains a legitimate demand through the normal democratic process of elections. The coming Uttar Pradesh elections will be a crucial litmus test to determine the credibility of the electoral system.