'We will not stop': Rahul Gandhi to move Supreme Court with Opposition MPs over CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday questioned the Centre's security arrangements amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asking why Delhi had been turned into a fortress.

Addressing a special press conference at the Congress's AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi alleged that restrictions were being imposed on people trying to enter the national capital and claimed that nearly 30,000 police personnel had been deployed.

“In the past 4-5 days, there has been public movement. Resistance was there for quite sometime. Question is why is Delhi Jailed? Why is capital city of India in Jail?" asked Gandhi.

“People are being stopped from reaching Delhi. Trains, buses are neing stopped. They have made Delhi a fortress. The deployment of police is nearly 30,000," said Gandhi, adding, “This is a big mistake by the government. We want to show the nation that how the government is protecting Gyanesh Kumar. We want them to protect him so that eventually we get to the handler of Gyanesh Kumar."

'Gyanesh will not be spared'

Gandhi accused BJP and RSS supporters of assaulting women during the protests and claimed that some police personnel had expressed support for the demonstrators.

“BJP goons, RSS goons are hitting women. 50% police personnel are telling us that what you are doing is absolutely correct keep going. We are getting information from everywhere and we know Gyanesh ji not able to sleep. And don’t worry we will not spare you. I guarantee you, Gyanesh will not be spared," said Gandhi.

“We know your past, we have all your corruption details we are just waiting."

Rahul Gandhi to approach Supreme Court

The Congress leader said he had sought permission from Delhi Police to protest at Jantar Mantar but was denied permission. He also referred to the detention of protesters and restrictions on students seeking to demonstrate.

Gandhi said he had approached the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who advised him to file a petition and pursue legal remedies.

“I asked where can I protest, Delhi police told me protest at home. How do I protest at home? I again asked them give me space at Jantar Mantar they said no I was detained. Then we went to Rajghat. Day before yesterday students were stopped from protesting…We sought time from CJI. CJI told us to file petition. He has instructed us to file petition in SC and take legal recourse…I along with opposition MPs will go to SC and file the petition today," said Gandhi.

Calls for unity, announces march

Gandhi said the opposition's campaign would continue until the CEC was removed and the Election Commission's functioning was reformed.

“This is not a one day battle. You might think it is difficult of us to sustain this. But trust me we have just started. Police is getting tired not us…Patience and perseverance, lagay rehna hain humein…Modi ji, around 200 officers in your government is in touch with us. You can do what you want, we will continue…Until CEC Gyanesh Kumar is removed, EC system is not rectified, we will not stop," he said.

He also called on people to join the INDIA bloc's march scheduled for Monday afternoon.

“INDIA bloc is marching, join us today…All are welcome, whoever wants to protect the Constitution can join. We are marching, join us at 1:30 pm at Barakhamba junction," he said.

Asked whether Gyanesh Kumar had tried to contact him, Gandhi said he received calls and urged the CEC to become an approver.

“The message to him is clear. Turn approver. You may have worked on orders, so quit, move aside…It will be a service to the nation…The nation might even forgive you…," he said.