INDIA bloc announces protests over Election Commission and voter revision

India’s opposition INDIA bloc has announced a nationwide campaign from October 2 against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The decision followed a meeting in New Delhi attended by 33 leaders from 19 parties. The programme includes “Save Democracy” marches at district headquarters from October 2 to 8, a march to the Election Commission on October 6 and five rallies during October and November.

The bloc also plans to seek an appointment with the President to raise what it describes as constitutional obstacles created by the government. Leaders agreed to appeal to the Chief Justice for expedited hearings in cases linked to the voter-roll revision and alleged electoral malpractice. Independent MP and senior Supreme Court lawyer Kapil Sibal proposed a legal challenge to the 2023 law governing the appointment and service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.

The law provides protection from civil or criminal proceedings for acts performed in official duties. Sibal also suggested legal action against other Election Commission officials involved in the revision exercise. The source said most leaders supported the proposal, although some expressed concern about the Supreme Court’s approach to requests for early hearings.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the leaders had agreed to fight together. He and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of undermining democratic institutions and alleged that elections were being won through stolen votes. The BJP’s response was not included in the source material.

The bloc will hold a rally in Delhi on November 1. The DMK did not attend, while Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav was absent because of state Rajya Sabha elections. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren joined virtually.