The Congress party and its INDIA bloc allies are stepping up their campaign against alleged electoral irregularities, with a major protest planned in New Delhi on November 1. The opposition is raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Congress Mobilises for November 1 Rally
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has asked party MPs to remain in Delhi from October 30 to November 1 to participate in the party’s protest activities. The main gathering, titled the “Save the Vote, Save the Country” march and mega rally, is scheduled at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
Rahul Gandhi has also appealed to students, farmers, workers, women, young people and traders to join the demonstration. He has alleged that voters’ names have been removed from electoral rolls and that questions about the process have not received satisfactory answers.
INDIA Bloc Plans Public Protest Against CEC
Ahead of the rally, INDIA bloc parties have organised a symbolic public impeachment-style programme against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30 at Kharge’s residence in New Delhi.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is expected to preside over the proceedings, while Kharge will move the symbolic motion and Rahul Gandhi will deliver the concluding remarks. The programme is a political protest and not a formal constitutional impeachment process.
SIR Exercise Remains at the Centre of Dispute
The opposition has repeatedly questioned the Election Commission’s implementation of the Special Intensive Revision, alleging that eligible voters could be affected by deletions and verification procedures.
Congress leaders have called for greater transparency in the preparation of electoral rolls. The party has also demanded accountability over complaints concerning voter registrations and alleged irregularities in different states.
Delhi Rally Permission and Security Arrangements
The Congress-led INDIA bloc has received permission for its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, subject to conditions imposed by Delhi Police. These include arrangements for crowd management, CCTV monitoring, traffic coordination and the timely conclusion of the gathering.
A separate dispute arose over the proposed October 30 programme, after the Congress said it faced difficulties securing venues for the event. Delhi Police sources clarified that permission for the November 1 rally had not been withdrawn.
Karnataka SIR Disagreement Creates Political Debate
The SIR controversy has also triggered differences within the Karnataka Congress. State minister Satish Jarkiholi defended the revision exercise in Karnataka, saying it had been carried out properly.
However, Home Minister Priyank Kharge raised concerns over alleged irregularities in Kalaburagi and Vijayapura, including claims involving bulk Form 7 applications and living voters being incorrectly marked as deceased. These allegations have added another dimension to the debate within the state unit.
Congress Says Electoral Transparency Is Its Main Demand
The Congress and its INDIA bloc partners say their campaign is focused on protecting voting rights and ensuring transparency in electoral procedures. The BJP, meanwhile, has criticised the opposition’s allegations and questioned the Congress’s position following the differences among its Karnataka leaders.
The November 1 gathering is expected to bring opposition leaders and party supporters together in Delhi as the political debate over electoral roll revision and the Election Commission continues.
