Thousands of protesters gathered in central Delhi on Monday as opposition parties under the INDIA bloc staged a march demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
The demonstration, titled “Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy,” saw opposition leaders and supporters march towards the Supreme Court, calling for electoral reforms and greater accountability in India’s election system.
Authorities imposed tight security across the capital ahead of the protest, with large crowds gathering along roads between Connaught Place and Mandi House.
Opposition leaders said they had contacted the Chief Justice of India and planned to submit a formal petition to the Supreme Court on Monday over their allegations of “vote theft.”
Speaking at a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Rahul Gandhi said the opposition’s campaign would continue until changes were made to the Election Commission’s leadership, constitutional safeguards were protected and electoral reforms were implemented.
Addressing Kumar directly, Gandhi called on him to resign and become an approver, alleging that the chief election commissioner had committed wrongdoing but was not the principal figure behind it.
Gandhi also claimed that Kumar was under considerable pressure because of the allegations.
“We know Gyanesh Kumar is unable to sleep at night,” Gandhi said, adding that Kumar would not be able to remain in office as chief election commissioner.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi said the campaign was not about the interests of any political party but about protecting the future of democracy.
He said the opposition had written to the Chief Justice of India, who had instructed them to file a petition. The INDIA bloc leaders would now march towards the Supreme Court and submit their petition against alleged electoral irregularities.
The Election Commission’s response to the allegations was not included in the report.
COMMENTS