INDIA bloc shifts Gyanesh Kumar's 'people's impeachment' to Kharge's home

The INDIA bloc will hold its proposed symbolic “people’s impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in New Delhi on Friday, after facing permission hurdles at multiple venues.

The programme, scheduled for 3.30pm at 10, Rajaji Marg, is part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged “vote chori” and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. It will also set the stage for the bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is expected to preside over the proceedings, while Kharge will move the resolution against the CEC. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to deliver the concluding address. INDIA bloc MPs, civil society representatives, student leaders and voters who claim their names were deleted during the SIR exercise have also been invited.

Why INDIA bloc shifted the venue

The Opposition had initially planned a mock Parliament session, recreating parliamentary proceedings to put the CEC on trial symbolically. However, it later dropped the format to avoid any questions over parliamentary privilege and opted for a public-facing programme instead.

The venue also changed after permission-related issues at Ashoka Hotel and Ramlila Maidan. The Congress alleged that Ashoka Hotel withdrew its initial approval following police intervention. Its subsequent attempt to organise the programme at Ramlila Maidan also faced hurdles.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had accused the CEC of violating the Constitution and undermining electoral democracy while announcing the revised venue.

More than 30 speakers expected

The programme will feature Opposition leaders and representatives of other groups presenting their concerns over the SIR exercise. Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the discussions would focus on alleged vote theft and issues raised by affected voters.

According to reports, more than 30 speakers are expected to participate. Congress leader Pawan Khera has also confirmed that INDIA bloc leaders discussed the sequence and details of the proceedings.

November 1 rally to follow

The symbolic impeachment comes amid the Opposition's continuing confrontation with the Election Commission over alleged electoral roll irregularities. The bloc has previously approached President Droupadi Murmu, seeking action against the CEC.

The November 1 gathering at Ramlila Maidan is expected to take the campaign forward, with Opposition parties seeking to consolidate their demands for accountability over the SIR exercise.