New Delhi: Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc are set to march towards the Supreme Court on Monday to raise allegations of “vote chori” and demand a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The leaders plan to submit a memorandum to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, seeking intervention over their concerns regarding the electoral process and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The march is expected to be led by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav are also expected to join the protest.
The proposed march comes amid an intensifying political confrontation over the SIR exercise and allegations of electoral irregularities raised by opposition parties. The Election Commission’s role and the demand for action against the CEC have become central issues in the ongoing protests.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Centre, Says Opposition Will March With ‘Love and Brotherhood’
Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of attempting to silence the voices of people raising concerns over the electoral process. He has maintained that the opposition will continue to raise the issue.
Gandhi also criticised the Delhi Police’s response to demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose protesters have been demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and raising concerns over the SIR process.
The Congress leader said the opposition leaders would approach the Supreme Court with “love, brotherhood and patriotism”.
The proposed march follows Gandhi’s request for a meeting with CJI Surya Kant. The Chief Justice declined the request, stating that the issues Gandhi wanted to discuss were already pending before the Supreme Court.
Delhi Police Tightens Security, Issues Traffic Advisory
Security arrangements have been strengthened across central Delhi ahead of the proposed march. Police personnel have been deployed at key locations, while the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning commuters of possible congestion and diversions.
Authorities have requested people to avoid non-essential travel through affected areas and cooperate with police personnel to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, particularly those travelling through central Delhi, where security restrictions could affect normal movement.
Delhi Metro Closes Entry and Exit at Six Stations Till 4 PM
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced temporary restrictions at six metro stations on Monday, citing security reasons amid the opposition’s planned march.
Entry and exit gates at the following stations are scheduled to remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on October 12:
- Patel Chowk
- Janpath
- Rajiv Chowk
- Mandi House
- Central Secretariat
- Barakhamba Road
The DMRC said interchange facilities would remain available at the affected stations. The situation is to be reviewed by security agencies, with further updates to be issued depending on developments.
The closures come amid wider protests in Delhi over the SIR exercise and demands for the CEC’s resignation. The restrictions have also drawn attention because of recent Supreme Court directions concerning public transport, peaceful protests and the movement of people during the demonstrations.
Supreme Court’s Earlier Directions Amid CJP Protests
The INDIA bloc’s proposed march comes against the backdrop of protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
The Supreme Court has recently addressed concerns surrounding restrictions imposed during the demonstrations, including the functioning of public transport and the treatment of peaceful protesters. The court has emphasised the need to follow the law while maintaining public order and has directed authorities to ensure the normal functioning of metro and railway services.
The court’s earlier observations have brought additional scrutiny to the security measures adopted in the national capital.
The opposition’s planned march is aimed at bringing its concerns over the SIR exercise, alleged electoral irregularities and the conduct of the Chief Election Commissioner before the Supreme Court. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds on Monday.