NEW DELHI: India’s opposition alliance took its campaign over alleged electoral roll irregularities to the streets of the capital on Sunday, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leading protesters towards Ramlila Maidan amid heightened security.
The demonstration brought together opposition supporters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The organisers described the mobilisation as a campaign to defend democracy and protect voting rights, while electoral authorities have rejected allegations of political bias.
The Congress-led INDIA bloc organised the march as part of its campaign against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties argue that the exercise has excluded eligible citizens and raised questions about electoral accountability.
Supporters began gathering at Ramlila Maidan early on Sunday, while party workers assembled at different locations across New Delhi before proceeding towards the venue.
Some participants arrived from other states, reflecting efforts by alliance members to mobilise support beyond the capital.
Student organisations, young supporters and civil society representatives were among the groups joining the opposition mobilisation. Gandhi had urged citizens to participate in the march or gather directly at Ramlila Maidan.
Before the demonstration, opposition leaders predicted that hundreds of thousands of people would participate.
That projection represented the organisers’ expectation rather than an independently verified attendance figure. Early reporting confirmed that thousands had joined the protest.
The gathering also provided a platform for alliance leaders to present their objections collectively, bringing the dispute over voter registration into a wider public campaign.
Election Commission Rejects Bias Allegations
The opposition’s central demand remained Kumar’s resignation, with alliance leaders seeking accountability over alleged voter exclusions.
The Election Commission says the revision is intended to maintain accurate electoral rolls.
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The competing positions have placed electoral administration at the centre of a political confrontation, with opposition parties pressing their demands through demonstrations and public mobilisation.
