Opposition Alliance Plans Nationwide Marches, October 6 Protest Outside Election Commission and Mega Rally in Delhi on November 1
New Delhi, September 30: The INDIA bloc has announced a six-point campaign programme following a meeting of its constituent parties in New Delhi, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saying the alliance had reached a broad understanding on taking up electoral and democratic issues jointly.
Kharge said leaders who attended the meeting put forward their views during the discussions, while those unable to be present shared their suggestions through online channels. He said the alliance had agreed to carry forward the issues discussed collectively.
The meeting comes amid a continuing political confrontation between the Opposition and the government over the functioning of the Election Commission of India, electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Kharge alleged that the Election Commission was coming under government pressure and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of influencing its functioning. These remain allegations made by Kharge and the INDIA bloc, while the Election Commission and the BJP have rejected opposition charges regarding the electoral process.
Kharge said the Opposition would continue to raise what it considers irregularities in the electoral system and seek accountability.
Six-Point Action Plan
The alliance has outlined the following programme:
1. Nationwide district-level marches:
The INDIA bloc will organise “Save Democracy” marches across districts from October 2 to October 8 as part of its public outreach campaign.
2. March to the Election Commission:
All Opposition MPs are scheduled to participate in a march to the Election Commission of India on October 6, highlighting their concerns over electoral issues.
3. Meeting with the President:
Opposition leaders will seek an appointment with the President of India during the second week of October to place their concerns before her.
4. Five mega rallies:
The alliance will hold five major rallies as part of the wider campaign against what it describes as threats to democratic and electoral processes.
5. Delhi mega rally:
A major public rally has been planned in Delhi on November 1, bringing together INDIA bloc leaders and supporters.
6. Appeal before the Supreme Court:
The alliance will approach the Supreme Court seeking an early resolution of matters related to SIR and other electoral issues currently before the court.
The INDIA bloc has positioned the campaign around the slogan “Save Democracy”, while the BJP has rejected the Opposition’s allegations and criticised its proposed protests.
The latest mobilisation adds another layer to the ongoing political dispute over electoral-roll revisions, the Election Commission’s functioning and allegations concerning voter-list irregularities.