Thousands of protesters gathered near Barakhamba Road in New Delhi on Monday as the INDIA bloc’s march to the Supreme Court, led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, got underway against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The march, titled “Chalo Delhi, March for Democracy”, is part of the Opposition’s campaign over alleged electoral irregularities and its demand for the CEC’s resignation.
Anmol Pritam reports from the ground near Barakhamba Road, where a large crowd has gathered as the march towards the Supreme Court progresses.
Opposition plans to submit petition against CEC
Rahul Gandhi announced the march on Sunday, urging opposition parties, civil society groups, young people and citizens to join the demonstration. On Monday, he said INDIA bloc leaders would approach the Supreme Court with a petition against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged “vote chori”.
The leaders were scheduled to assemble at the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction at 1.30 pm before proceeding towards the apex court. The Opposition has also sought an end to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised concerns about alleged wrongful voter deletions.
Gandhi said the campaign was aimed at protecting the Constitution and electoral democracy, and insisted that the movement would continue until the Opposition’s concerns were addressed.
Chief Justice declines meeting request
The march comes after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a request from Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to meet him on Monday. The two leaders had sought an appointment to submit a memorandum raising concerns over alleged electoral irregularities.
The Chief Justice reportedly advised them to approach the court through a petition, as the matter could be addressed through judicial proceedings. The INDIA bloc subsequently announced its plan to move the Supreme Court directly.
Security tightened across central Delhi
Security arrangements were stepped up across central Delhi ahead of the march, with police deployment, barricades and traffic restrictions affecting several routes. Entry and exit at six Delhi Metro stations were also scheduled to remain closed until 4 pm on Monday, although interchange facilities were to remain available.
Gandhi criticised the restrictions, alleging that people were being prevented from reaching the capital to participate in the protest. Delhi Police and other authorities put security measures in place amid a series of demonstrations in recent days over the Election Commission.
The INDIA bloc’s demands include Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and a halt to the SIR exercise. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions follow established legal procedures, while the BJP has rejected the Opposition’s allegations.