Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address the media at 11.30 am on Monday ahead of the Congress-led Opposition’s planned march to the Supreme Court amid the ongoing row over alleged electoral irregularities and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The march, organised under the banner “Chalo Delhi: March for Democracy”, is scheduled to begin at 1.30 pm from the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction in New Delhi. Opposition leaders plan to submit a memorandum to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, raising concerns over alleged “vote chori” and seeking action on issues related to electoral processes.
Opposition seeks action over alleged ‘vote chori’
Rahul Gandhi has called on Opposition parties, young people and civil society organisations to participate in the march, saying the mobilisation would bring together Indians across party, gender, caste, community and state lines.
The Opposition’s demands include the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, an end to alleged electoral manipulation, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and a return to paper ballots.
Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had sought an appointment with the Chief Justice to submit a memorandum. However, the Chief Justice declined their request for a meeting, with reports indicating that matters relating to the dispute were already before the court.
Security tightened ahead of march
Security arrangements have been stepped up in central Delhi ahead of the planned demonstration. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has announced the closure of entry and exit facilities at six stations, namely Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk, from 6 am to 4 pm on Monday. Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations.
The march comes amid continuing protests over the Election Commission and the electoral roll revision exercise, with the Opposition seeking judicial intervention and accountability over its allegations.