KC Venugopal, the Congress General Secretary (Organisation), confirmed that the INDIA bloc will march to the Supreme Court to stand up for the nation’s democratic values and principles. Speaking to ANI, he emphasised the significance of the planned protest on October 12 in New Delhi, describing it as more than an agitation, but rather a movement aimed at safeguarding democracy. Venugopal called on citizens to join this effort, stating that it is essential for everyone to protect the democratic fabric of the country.

With opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi urging the public to participate, Venugopal underscored the collaborative nature of the movement. “The leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has given a general call to everybody to protect the democracy of our country. People of India will come and join tomorrow,” he noted, highlighting the unity among the opposition parties.

CJI’s Rejection of Meeting Request Highlights Legal Path

The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, has reportedly declined to meet with leaders of the INDIA bloc regarding their request to present evidence about alleged electoral irregularities. He indicated that they should instead approach the court through the legal petition process since the matter is already under judicial consideration. A detailed explanation outlining the grounds for rejecting the meeting was sent to the opposition leaders via email.

In response to the decision, Venugopal stated that while the opposition respects the CJI’s position, they remain steadfast in their commitment to march to the Supreme Court. “The CJI has declined to meet us, provided that open avenue for giving a petition to the Supreme Court by hand or a general legal way. We respect that decision, but we are very much for marching to the Supreme Court tomorrow,” he asserted.

This development comes after police detained protesters in the national capital during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders condemned the police’s actions and reiterated their call for public participation in the upcoming march.

Criticism of Election Commission’s Practices and Call for Action

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of neglecting its legal responsibilities, stating that the opposition will proceed with their march to demand the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Tharoor claimed that the rights of 130 million Indians had been compromised by the Election Commission’s policies, which he described as chaotic and lawless.

In a video posted on X, Tharoor elaborated on the opposition’s objectives, which include a demand for justice, the suspension of what he referred to as the “Special Intensive Revision,” and restoring the voting rights of those allegedly deprived of them. He stressed the importance of citizens’ rights to participate in the democratic process without hindrance.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, called for young people, opposition parties, and civil society groups to unite for the march under the slogan “Daro mat,” or “Do not fear.” He highlighted that those protesting had done so peacefully and without malice, yet faced police aggression. Gandhi condemned the actions against peaceful demonstrators, emphasising the need for civil society to join in the defence of democratic values.

In the aftermath of recent protests, Abhijeet Dipke, an activist from the Cockroach Janta Party, expressed his resolve to continue protesting despite having been previously detained. He conveyed a defiance towards the authorities, challenging them to prevent him from demonstrating again. Meanwhile, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar downplayed the protests, suggesting that the opposition’s presence is minimal and transient.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also commented on the situation, accusing opposition parties of instigating chaos during demonstrations while commending the Delhi Police for their management of public safety during this period of unrest.

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