1 October : India’s opposition INDIA bloc has announced a series of protests from 2 to 8 October over its concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls. The alliance plans to organise ‘Save Democracy’ marches in different areas and demonstrations outside district administrative offices.
The programme was announced after a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders in New Delhi on Wednesday. Opposition lawmakers will march to the Election Commission’s office in Delhi on 6 October, with all opposition MPs urged to take part.
The opposition leaders have also decided to seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October. Plans are also underway to organise rallies in different parts of the country.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said young people, various organisations and representatives of INDIA bloc constituent parties would be brought into the campaign. He said the alliance plans to expand the movement across different regions.
During the meeting and a subsequent press conference, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised several allegations against the Election Commission. She said complaints of electoral irregularities had previously been brought to the Commission’s attention in several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal, but that effective solutions had not been found.
Banerjee also alleged that the use of technology and software in the electoral system could facilitate manipulation. She indicated that the opposition could approach the Supreme Court over the issue.
The Election Commission, however, has rejected allegations of malpractice and maintained that important decisions are taken in accordance with established rules.
The meeting also discussed reported differences within the Election Commission. The Commission has said that discussion and differences of opinion within an institution are normal. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, said they would continue to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Source: INDIA bloc joint press conference