Dipankar Bhattacharya, general secretary of CPI(ML) Liberation, announced that a meeting of the INDIA bloc is expected to take place at the Constitution Club on September 30. The primary agenda of this gathering will be the challenges linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alongside discussions on the Election Commission’s functioning. Bhattacharya emphasised the importance of including all Opposition parties, as well as civil society members and concerned citizens in these discussions, highlighting the significant impact on India’s democracy.

During a press conference, he stated, “We just learned that on the 30th, a meeting will likely take place at the Constitution Club.” He urged participants to expand beyond the INDIA alliance, seeking broader collaboration amid what he termed a national crisis affecting the electoral system.

“In the midst of such a major national crisis, we must all come together to find a path forward,” he added, reflecting the urgency of the situation faced by the electorate.

Concerns Over Election Commission’s Credibility

Bhattacharya’s comments follow a report in The Indian Express detailing objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding procedures related to the SIR exercise. Allegations have emerged questioning the continued tenure of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with Bhattacharya noting, “There has been only one question across the entire country: When is Gyanesh Kumar stepping down?”

He referenced a recent citizens’ protest in New Delhi calling for accountability from the CEC. The manner in which authorities reportedly handled the demonstration, which took place at Jantar Mantar, was cited as a “dangerous signal” for future peaceful protests. “It seems Jantar Mantar is becoming an extension of Delhi Cantt,” he remarked, indicating a concerning trend for civil liberties in the capital.

Furthermore, Bhattacharya demanded swift action to restore the voting rights of those allegedly affected by the SIR process. He expressed that as long as Gyanesh Kumar remains in office, the Commission lacks credibility.

Nationwide Protests and Political Reactions

In light of the unfolding events, Bhattacharya announced that five Left parties have initiated nationwide protests starting September 26 and continuing until October 2. Demonstrations have already begun across various regions of the country, reflecting widespread discontent.

Opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and regional allies, have heightened their criticism of the Election Commission, raising concerns about electoral transparency and demanding accountability. Congress workers conducted protests in multiple states, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh, highlighting grievances against the handling of the SIR exercise.

In Assam, Congress leaders were reportedly detained during a rally aimed at calling for the CEC’s removal and a review of changes to electoral rolls. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and other leaders participated actively, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of orchestrating a “brutal crackdown” on dissent.

In response to the criticism, the BJP has dismissed the allegations from the Opposition as attempts to distract from their electoral setbacks. The Election Commission, for its part, has defended its processes, arguing that internal communications and suggestions are standard practice within a multi-member constitutional body, asserting that all final decisions regarding the SIR exercise were reached unanimously by the commissioners.

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