INDIA Bloc Convenes Mock Parliament at Kharge Residence Over CEC Impeachment Row

Leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc gathered at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence at 9 Rajaji Marg in New Delhi to organise a mock parliament and a symbolic public impeachment targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Imran Masood, CPI leader D. Raja, Congress MP Jebi Mather, and Samajwadi Party MP Rajiv Rai, justified the move. They alleged that the central government stifles discussion and turns off microphones inside Parliament. They asserted that having approached the President and the Supreme Court, this public initiative serves to send a message demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Reactions and Responses

• Opposition Allegations: Leaders claimed the Election Commission's independence has been compromised and alleged that train bookings from states such as Telangana and Tamil Nadu to Delhi were blocked to curb rally turnout.
• Government Stance: In response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's offer to convene a special parliamentary session on electoral issues, opposition representatives questioned the government's refusal to permit an impeachment motion during regular proceedings.
• BJP Criticism: The Bharatiya Janata Party termed the mock impeachment proceeding unparliamentary and illegal, accusing the opposition coalition of confusing parliamentary politics with street agitation.

Upcoming Demonstrations

The mock parliament is set to be followed by a planned mega rally and a 'Chalo Dilli' march. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi issued a call urging citizens and opposition leaders to join the march scheduled ahead of November 1, while national capital traders raised concerns regarding protests held on a weekend ahead of Diwali. Verification of original announcements can be conducted through official press briefings and parliamentary records.