Opposition Stages Sit-in Outside Election Commission, Demands Chief Election Commissioner's Resignation

Opposition Stages Sit-in Outside Election Commission, Demands Chief Election Commissioner's Resignation

Political heat intensified in New Delhi on Tuesday as the opposition INDIA alliance organized a 'Save Democracy March'. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a dharna at the Akashwani Bhawan premises, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The opposition's march from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters was halted by the Delhi Police and security forces near Parliament Street. During this, Rahul Gandhi climbed a barricade and unfurled the national flag. Following this, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and MP Deepinder Hooda crossed the security cordon and entered the premises through the reception gate of Akashwani Bhawan.

Indefinite Sit-in Inside EC Premises

With the next route towards the Election Commission office also blocked, the two prominent Congress leaders began their protest under a large banyan tree within the premises. They sought a meeting with EC officials and permission to enter the office.

They continued to engage with employees present on the premises and remained firm on their demands. During the march, police detained several opposition MPs, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, along with Congress workers.

Initially, Priyanka Gandhi was also taken into custody, but she later joined Rahul Gandhi at the Akashwani Bhawan premises. Senior Delhi Police officials, including DCP-level officers, were present at the Akashwani Bhawan premises to maintain control. They engaged with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, attempting to persuade them to end the protest and vacate the premises.

Opposition's Allegations and Broader Implications

The primary accusation from opposition parties is that there are serious flaws in the procedures related to the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists and Form 6. The opposition asserts that the Election Commission must provide transparent answers to these allegations.

This entire development has further intensified the political debate on issues of the Election Commission's impartiality, the integrity of voter lists, and the right to protest for the opposition. Tuesday's event has become another significant example of the escalating political confrontation between the opposition and the ruling party, from Parliament to the Election Commission.

Currently, the dharna by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi continues within the Akashwani Bhawan premises. Further actions will depend on the outcome of discussions between the Delhi Police and opposition leaders.