The opposition alliance known as the INDIA bloc is set to hold a protest in New Delhi on Monday, October 12, as part of its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities. The group is particularly focused on issues surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, alongside their call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A march to the Supreme Court is planned, with prominent leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expected to participate.

However, the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, has reportedly declined a request from the opposition leaders for a meeting. He advised that they file a petition, as the matters they wish to discuss are already under judicial consideration. A formal response explaining the decision was communicated to the leaders, indicating that judicial proceedings would be the appropriate avenue for addressing their allegations.

This demonstration follows a recent crackdown on protests in Delhi, which involved significant police presence, numerous detentions, and reports of violence. On Saturday, the Cockroach Janta Party and various opposition groups faced considerable opposition from law enforcement during their protests related to the same issues.

Allegations of Violence Against Students and Protesters

Rahul Gandhi has accused the central government, specifically Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Delhi Police, of using violence to suppress protests aimed at Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. In a series of comments posted on X, he described the police’s actions as “thuggery”, claiming that members of the BJP-RSS were allowed to perpetrate violence against young protesters and women.

Gandhi employed the analogy of “Mogambo”, referencing a famous character from the film Mr India, to characterise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to dissent, asserting that attempts to stifle youth voices would only serve to galvanise further discontent. He stated that the upcoming protest would see widespread participation from support groups and aimed to resonate loudly throughout the nation.

In his statements, Gandhi called into question the integrity of the electoral process, asserting that it has been undermined by the current government. He conveyed that the opposition is determined to hold those responsible for alleged violence accountable, pledging justice for the protesters who faced aggression from state forces during earlier demonstrations.

Mass Detentions Precede Planned Protest

The planned agitation comes on the heels of substantial law enforcement actions on Saturday, where approximately 7,000 protesters were detained in various locations across Delhi. Protesters were attempting to reach Jantar Mantar for a demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner. Although the police justified these actions as preventive, opposition leaders have condemned them as unlawful.

Among those detained were several prominent political leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee. Reports indicate that these figures were released following the payment of bail bonds. Activists claimed that their detentions were politically motivated and intended to disrupt the planned protests. Leaders from the Cockroach Janta Party have conveyed their intent to continue campaigning for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation despite these actions.

Amidst the turmoil, a Supreme Court bench issued a notice concerning the handling of public transport and internet services in the context of the protests. The court directed that normal operations resume unless law and order concerns arise, emphasising the right of individuals to conduct their professional duties without obstruction.

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