New Delhi: A fresh political confrontation over the functioning of the Election Commission intensified in Delhi on Tuesday as MPs from the INDIA bloc marched from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters, demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest is part of a wider Opposition campaign focused on the poll panel and issues surrounding the electoral process. Demonstrators carried banners calling for the protection of democracy and raised slogans against the Chief Election Commissioner during the march.
Rahul Gandhi Stages Dharna After March Is Halted
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi joined the demonstration. According to the report, he later sat on a dharna after being stopped from proceeding towards the Election Commission's office.
The Opposition's immediate objective is to put sustained political pressure on the Election Commission and seek Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The protest comes as the parties prepare a longer campaign that is expected to continue through the coming parliamentary session.
AAP and DMK Stay Away From March
The protest did not receive participation from two important Opposition parties, the Aam Aadmi Party and the DMK. Both parties have remained outside the INDIA bloc's formal structure, although they have frequently been part of the wider Opposition camp in Parliament.
The absence of the two parties could become significant as the Congress attempts to broaden support for its campaign against the Election Commission.
Congress Plans Wider Campaign
The Congress has prepared a series of programmes intended to keep the issue in the political spotlight.
Between October 10 and 20, the party plans to conduct activities at the block level under its "Save Vote, Save Country" campaign. The programme is expected to include public outreach and rallies involving party workers.
The next phase is scheduled from October 25 to November 25, when public meetings are planned at the booth level with senior Congress leaders expected to participate.
A major rally has also been planned at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Later in November, multiple marches are expected to head towards Delhi before converging on Constitution Day, November 26.
Opposition Plans to Raise Issue in Parliament
The Congress is also looking ahead to the Winter Session of Parliament. The party has indicated that it intends to continue raising concerns about the Election Commission and pursue an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Opposition's strategy is therefore not limited to Tuesday's demonstration. The broader plan involves maintaining political pressure through street protests, public meetings and parliamentary action.
Supreme Court Proceedings Add Another Dimension
The political dispute is unfolding alongside proceedings in the Supreme Court involving the Election Commission.
The court has issued notices to Gyanesh Kumar and the poll panel in a case concerning election-related issues. During proceedings, the court indicated that decisions could potentially face judicial scrutiny if members of the Commission do not reach them unanimously.
However, the court has not ordered immediate action against the Chief Election Commissioner. The proceedings are continuing, meaning the judicial developments could influence the political debate in the weeks ahead.
Opposition Seeks to Keep Pressure on Election Commission
Tuesday's march marks the beginning of a larger Opposition mobilisation rather than a standalone demonstration. The Congress and its allies are expected to continue discussions with other parties in an effort to expand participation.
With street protests, planned rallies, parliamentary action and an ongoing Supreme Court case all converging around the Election Commission, the dispute over Gyanesh Kumar is likely to remain a significant political issue in the coming weeks.
