The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has confirmed that it will not participate in the INDIA bloc’s planned demonstration outside the Election Commission headquarters on October 6, regarding the ongoing concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Instead, AAP has opted to advance its own separate campaign addressing the same issue.

AAP leader and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh highlighted that the party has been organising daily protests across various locations to address what they perceive as irregularities in the SIR process. He noted that AAP considers this initiative as a grassroots movement, openly choosing not to utilise its own insignia for these protests.

At Parliament House, Singh explained the distinct nature of AAP’s actions. He remarked, “The CJP’s protest is also being held, and different organisations are also holding protests. The Left is also protesting in different places. As far as tomorrow’s protest is concerned, it is the INDIA bloc’s protest. So, the Aam Aadmi Party is not part of it. We are fighting this battle in our own way.” This indicates a clear decision by AAP to maintain its independent stance amid wider opposition activities.

Opposition Bloc’s Gathering

On September 30, representatives from 19 opposition parties, including those from the INDIA bloc, convened to discuss strategies for addressing their grievances regarding the electoral rolls. Following this meeting, leaders announced a collective march to the Election Commission on October 6, showing a united front on issues related to the alleged discrepancies in the voter list revision.

Notably, AAP and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) were absent from this meeting, while prominent figures such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi were present. Other leaders in attendance included Mamata Banerjee from the Trinamool Congress, Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and others from various regional parties.

Some participants, including Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, attended the meeting virtually, further expanding the coalition of opposition voices on this crucial issue. The protest signals an ongoing commitment from these opposition groups to address the electoral concerns that have arisen recently.

Allegations and Reactions

The call for the protest coincides with increasing controversy surrounding the operation of the Election Commission, particularly in light of allegations made by the opposition regarding the commission’s handling of the SIR exercise. An investigative report published by The Indian Express last month detailed claims from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

They reportedly objected to various decisions regarding the SIR over the course of the past ten months. The report suggested that both Commissioners had raised concerns about at least 14 instances where decisions were made without their knowledge or consent. Specific alterations to voter enrolment procedures were described as “unauthorised” and “illegal” according to the findings.

In response to the allegations of discord within the three-member Election Commission, officials have firmly stated that all decisions regarding the SIR were reached unanimously. This reaffirmation aims to quell speculation about internal disagreements and maintain a façade of unity within the commission during this tumultuous period.

As the INDIA bloc prepares for its demonstration on October 6, AAP has reiterated its intention to refrain from engaging in this unified effort and to continue its independent campaign, focusing on the purported irregularities in the voter list revision process.

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