The INDIA Bloc is preparing to intensify its campaign over the ongoing ECI-SIR controversy. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has invited senior opposition leaders for a lunch meeting on Wednesday. The leaders are expected to discuss their next course of action against the Election Commission. They may also sign a joint document seeking an appointment with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The opposition’s latest move comes a day after Rahul Gandhi led a march from Parliament towards the Election Commission in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior Congress leaders staged a sit-in at Akashwani Bhavan after authorities stopped them from proceeding further. Police later detained the protesting leaders. However, the INDIA Bloc has indicated that its campaign will continue in the coming days.
Also Read : Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down After 10 Years as India’s World Cup-Winning Captain
INDIA Bloc To Discuss Further Strategy
The opposition parties are expected to seek answers from the Election Commission over allegations related to the electoral process. Congress has said that it will continue its protest until it gets accountability and action on its concerns. The party has also linked its campaign to protecting the Constitution and democratic institutions. The upcoming meeting is likely to help the opposition finalise its next steps.
The opposition alliance has also seen some changes in participation. The Biju Janata Dal has joined the campaign, giving the opposition movement a fresh boost. However, the Aam Aadmi Party and DMK stayed away from the recent demonstration. Their absence has raised questions about the unity and coordination among INDIA Bloc partners.
Also Read : Ambedkar’s Vision: No Voter Left Out of India’s First Electoral Roll
Opposition Plans President Meeting And Mega Rally
The INDIA Bloc has sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu and expects it to take place in the second week of October. Several senior opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Omar Abdullah and Tejashwi Yadav, are expected to attend. The leaders may present their concerns over the Election Commission’s functioning before the President. The meeting could become another key step in the opposition’s campaign.
Apart from the proposed meeting with the President, the opposition has planned a larger public mobilisation in Delhi. The INDIA Bloc has booked Ramlila Maidan for a mega rally on November 1. The rally is expected to bring several opposition leaders and supporters together. With the ECI-SIR issue remaining at the centre of its campaign, the bloc is likely to continue putting pressure on the Election Commission in the coming weeks.
Also Read : Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down After 10 Years as India’s World Cup-Winning Captain