Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi claimed that around 200 officials from the Narendra Modi-led government were in touch with the Opposition and sharing information from various departments, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Opposition leaders reiterated their demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and said their campaign against alleged electoral irregularities would continue.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the march, Rahul Gandhi claimed that officials from several government departments were providing information to the Opposition.
"Modi ji, let me tell you. Two hundred officers of your government are providing us with information. ED, CBI, Foreign Ministry, from everywhere, we are getting all the inside information from within the government," Rahul Gandhi said.
The Congress leader also claimed that messages were coming from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged him to become an approver in the alleged electoral irregularities case.
When asked whether Kumar had contacted him or sent him messages, Rahul Gandhi said, "Messages come. Messages come, and he is watching this press conference."
Addressing the CEC directly, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Kumar had made mistakes under pressure from others and urged him to disclose the details. "Turn approver. You have done a crime and, frankly, you are not the main, main criminal. You made a mistake. You have made a mistake. You are not the mind behind the mistake," Rahul Gandhi said.
the LoP's allegations against government officials and the CEC have not been independently established.
INDIA bloc leaders march towards Supreme Court
The Opposition's protest march began amid heavy security arrangements and barricading by Delhi Police. A bus carrying Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders departed from the Constitution Club of India as the march got underway.
Congress MP Manish Tewari said the Opposition wanted to submit a representation to the Supreme Court and seek legal intervention.
"We want to submit a representation to the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Therefore, the entire Opposition is collectively going to Barakhamba Road. Let's see where it goes from here," Tewari told reporters.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said the campaign against the SIR exercise had been underway for some time and had gained public attention.
"This has been an ongoing protest. It did not begin today. This campaign has been underway since the day Rahul Gandhi first raised the issue of SIR at Indira Gandhi Bhawan and established, with facts, that it was a completely fraudulent, wrongful and deceptive process," Dikshit said.
He added that students, organisations and political parties had joined the campaign and that the protest would continue.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also targeted the BJP, alleging that the ruling party was apprehensive about losing power.
"The BJP is scared. They know that power will not remain with them for much longer," Gogoi said.
AAP demands Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh also demanded the CEC's resignation, linking the demand to the Opposition's allegations of electoral irregularities.
"Vote theft; Gyanesh Kumar must resign," Singh said.
AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj said the protesters intended to proceed towards Jantar Mantar and questioned whether police would allow them to continue.
"We are going to Jantar Mantar to see whether the police stop us or allow us to proceed. We have the right to express our views," Bharadwaj said.
The protest comes amid renewed debate over restrictions on demonstrations in Delhi and the right of citizens and political parties to assemble peacefully.
Tejashwi Yadav targets Election Commission over SIR
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said his party had consistently opposed the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and had launched its campaign against the exercise in Bihar.
Yadav accused the Election Commission of acting in favour of the BJP and alleged that the electoral process was being compromised.
"The Election Commission has become a complete puppet," Yadav alleged, accusing the poll body of facilitating vote theft and conducting fraudulent elections.
"Democracy is being crushed. When democracy is continuously under attack and being undermined, how can we remain silent?" he said.
The allegations form part of the Opposition's broader campaign against the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission.
CJI Surya Kant declines meeting request from Opposition leaders
Before announcing the march, INDIA bloc leaders had sought a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to raise concerns about the SIR exercise, alleged electoral irregularities and demands for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
However, the CJI declined the request, reportedly citing judicial propriety and the pendency of related matters before the Supreme Court.
The CJI indicated that the Supreme Court's doors were open to everyone but that grievances should be raised through the established judicial process. Opposition leaders could approach the court by filing a formal petition, which would be considered in accordance with legal procedures.
The refusal to hold a meeting did not prevent the Opposition from seeking judicial relief through the appropriate legal channels.
What is the INDIA bloc demanding?
The INDIA bloc's campaign centres on allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls, concerns over the SIR process and demands for accountability from the Election Commission.
The Opposition has called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and sought measures to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded from electoral rolls. It has also demanded greater transparency in the functioning of the poll body.
The Election Commission's role in the electoral process and the Opposition's allegations remain at the centre of an ongoing political dispute.
With INDIA bloc leaders seeking judicial intervention and continuing their campaign against the SIR exercise, the controversy is expected to remain a major political issue in the coming days. Any legal relief will depend on the proceedings before the competent court.
