Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc have announced a series of nationwide protests beginning October 2, 2026, over concerns regarding the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and broader electoral procedures.
The decision was taken at a meeting of leaders from 19 opposition parties held in New Delhi on September 30. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced the action plan at a joint press conference, describing the ECI’s approach as “flawed and partisan.
October 2 to 8: District-level “Save Democracy” marches and demonstrations outside the offices of District Magistrates across the country. Youth and civil society organisations will also be invited.
October 6: All Opposition MPs from both Houses of Parliament will march to the Election Commission headquarters (Nirvachan Sadan) in New Delhi.
Second week of October: Leaders of the Opposition will seek an appointment with the President of India to submit a representation.
The protests coincide with Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and are part of a broader campaign involving young people and NGOs.
Use of the pre-SIR electoral roll for future elections, along with complete transparency in every revision (constituency-wise and booth-wise details of additions, deletions, and corrections).
Any removal of a legitimate voter must be backed by proper reasons, due notice, and an effective appeals mechanism.
Protection of eligible voters from exclusion due to administrative failures, inadequate documentation, or lack of awareness.
Voting through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Simple and accessible voter registration, especially for young and first-time voters.
Expeditious resolution by the Supreme Court of all cases related to SIR and other electoral matters.
Leaders also reiterated concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and called for accountability regarding alleged irregularities in the SIR process.
The protests stem from the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which opposition parties claim has led to large-scale deletions of voters and lacks transparency. Recent reports of internal differences within the ECI have further fuelled the opposition’s campaign.
Leaders present at the meeting included Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Omar Abdullah (National Conference), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP), and representatives from Left parties, among others. Some leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant Soren, joined virtually.
The opposition has framed the agitation as a fight to “save democracy” and protect voters’ rights. The Election Commission has maintained that its actions are lawful and that differences of opinion within the Commission are normal.
