INDIA bloc protest: Thousands start foot march to Supreme Court demanding CEC's resignation

Led by leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Akhilesh Yadav, the 'March for Democracy' brought key stretches of the capital, including Barakhamba Road and Mandi House, to a standstill. Protesters waved national flags, held placards and raised slogans alleging irregularities in the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

During the march, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the conduct of the poll body.

"We are asking very valid questions. Who authorised Form 6? Whose bulk-printing, pre-printed Form 7?... Where is Gyanesh Kumar hiding? When a constitutional body head is missing, we need to ask questions," he told ANI.

Punjab Congress President Pargat Singh accused the BJP of dismantling the democratic framework and attempting to protect the CEC.

"Look at the BJP's politicswhat is it? It is about dismantling the entire democratic framework. They have already wreaked havoc on it. Two Election Commissioners had already conveyed that 14 decisions were taken without their consent and that the amendment to 'Form 6' was executed in a completely flawed mannera fact the Supreme Court also clarified by stating there was no directive from them to do so. Yet, despite this, they want to protect Gyanesh Kumar and completely destroy the country's democracy. What does Rahul Gandhi say? He says we must save our institutions and the country's democratic structure. But the tragedy is that they have no intention of moving in that direction," he told ANI.

The march was led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The INDIA bloc contingent includes former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and leaders of the CPI and CPM.

They earlier reached the Barakhamba Road intersection as they began a march towards the Supreme Court where they will petition the court listing out alleged irregularities in the SIR process and seek action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the conduct of the poll body. "We are asking very valid questions. Who authorised Form 6? Whose bulk-printing, pre-printed Form 7?... Where is Gyanesh Kumar hiding? When a constitutional body head is missing, we need to ask questions," he said.

Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring appealed to the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for a meeting. "If the Chief Justice of India will not meet us, then who will listen to the grievances of the public. We urge the Chief Justice of India to meet us," he said.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the Election Commission seemed to be working at the behest of the BJP.

Akhilesh Yadav said, "BJP is still getting fake votes registered. We hope that the Election Commission will stay impartial. SIR was ongoing in UP and it has now concluded. Still, there are a large number of double votes. You conducted such a huge exercise, spent crores of rupees, and deployed officials for the same. Still, you could not rectify the voter list...What can you expect from them then? Why the SIR then? EC seems to be working at the BJP's behest."

Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq said the protest will not stop until CEC Gyanesh Kumar resigns.

"This was always an issue concerning the people of the country, but it has now truly reached the general public. It is baffling that the government remains so adamant about shielding him; clearly, they are deriving some benefit from the situation, which is why they want to protect him. However, I believe the government will eventually have to yield and ensure his resignation," he said.

Despite the presence of high security the INDIA bloc delegation has registered a strong protest against the Election Commission and with them vowing to continue the issue continues to dominate. (ANI)