Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday claimed that sustained Opposition protests could bring down the government, asserting that the controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reflected a much deeper problem that required the removal of the current dispensation.
Addressing INDIA bloc MPs at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the demonstrations held over the past few days had shaken the foundations of the government and left it apprehensive about the growing Opposition mobilisation.
"If we continue to push the way we have in last three-four days, I guarantee this government will fall," Gandhi said, urging Opposition leaders to maintain pressure on the ruling establishment.
‘Deeper problem than CEC’
Gandhi argued that the Opposition's campaign should not be confined to demanding accountability from Kumar, claiming that the issues raised by the protests went beyond the functioning of the Election Commission.
"There is a much deeper problem than Gyanesh Kumar and it requires termination of this current government," he told the gathering.
Describing the struggle as one of considerable political importance, the former Congress president said it was something "worth fighting for and dying for".
His remarks came amid continuing demonstrations by INDIA bloc parties over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for Kumar's resignation.
Rahul attacks Gyanesh Kumar
The Congress leader also criticised the Chief Election Commissioner for allegedly refusing to meet elected representatives who had sought to raise concerns about the electoral process.
"The Chief Election Commissioner is only a service provider," Gandhi said, questioning Kumar's refusal to engage with Opposition MPs.
He argued that an official responsible for overseeing elections should remain accountable to the democratic process and be willing to hear concerns raised by elected representatives.
The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of facilitating irregularities in electoral roll revisions, allegations that remain contested.
Opposition intensifies campaign
Gandhi's remarks came ahead of the INDIA bloc's scheduled meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Friday evening to seek her intervention over concerns relating to the Election Commission.
The alliance has staged a series of demonstrations in the national capital over the past few days, demanding greater transparency in electoral roll revisions and accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Congress leader maintained that the protests had already placed the government under pressure and urged Opposition MPs to continue their collective campaign.
His assertion that the government could fall if the protests continued was a political claim rather than an indication of any confirmed change in parliamentary support.