Indian Opposition Holds Mega Rally in Delhi Demanding Election Chief's Resignation

Tens of thousands of people gathered at Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi on Sunday for a major opposition rally organised by the INDIA bloc. Led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the demonstration was held to demand the resignation of India's chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, following a controversial revision of voter lists.

Key Details of the Protest

• Organisers: The opposition INDIA bloc, spearheaded by the Congress party.
• Key Figures Attending: Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav.
• Demands: The resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the removal of 130 million names from draft electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Allegations and Counter-Claims

Opposition parties have accused Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating elections and deliberately removing eligible voters to disenfranchise citizens. Ahead of the rally, opposition leaders staged a symbolic, non-binding impeachment of the election chief.

Conversely, both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied the allegations. The ECI stated that the SIR process is designed to remove deceased, relocated, or ineligible voters. Prime Minister Modi accused the opposition of trying to create chaos and undermining the constitution. The Election Commission also addressed prior reports regarding internal differences, stating that differing opinions are normal within the institution and do not impact its functioning.

Security and Local Impact

Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed around the venue under strict conditions set by Delhi police, including a requirement for the rally to conclude by 5:00 PM and the installation of CCTV cameras.

The event also drew mixed reactions from local traders in nearby Chandni Chowk, with some expressing concern over potential disruptions to festive business ahead of Diwali, while others voiced support for the demonstration.

How to Verify

Readers seeking to verify developments regarding the electoral roll revision and official responses can consult official announcements from the Election Commission of India (ECI) or reports from established mainstream news outlets covering Indian parliamentary and legal affairs.