Lok Sabha LoP nd Conggress LEader Rahul Gandhi addressing Media (Img: Screengrab from @INCongress Tweet)
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid protests over alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Gandhi claimed that the CEC was facing pressure and suggested that even police personnel were unhappy with the situation.
Speaking ahead of the INDIA bloc's planned march towards the Supreme Court, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha intensified his criticism of the Election Commission and the government's handling of the controversy.
Gandhi delivered a pointed warning to the CEC, saying he knew Kumar was unable to sleep at night. He also said Kumar would not survive in the post of Chief Election Commissioner.
The remarks came as Opposition parties continued demanding accountability from the Election Commission over the electoral roll revision process. Gandhi and other Opposition leaders have alleged irregularities in the voter-list exercise and called for action against those responsible.
These remain political allegations, and the Election Commission's position on the disputed issues is important in assessing the claims.
The INDIA bloc planned to march towards the Supreme Court at 4 pm on Monday to raise concerns over alleged “vote chori”, police action against protesters and the SIR process.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had also sought a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The request was declined, with the CJI reportedly citing the need to maintain the separation of powers and pointing to the pending legal matters.
The Opposition has said it wants the concerns addressed through constitutional and legal channels.
Authorities tightened security across the national capital ahead of the planned march. Barricades were placed at key locations, traffic restrictions were announced and six Metro stations were shut amid concerns over demonstrations.
The protests follow the detention of demonstrators and political leaders during previous rallies demanding accountability from the Election Commission. The continuing standoff has intensified the political debate over electoral transparency, the revision of voter lists and the handling of peaceful protests.
The Election Commission has maintained that decisions concerning the SIR were taken unanimously. The controversy is expected to remain a major point of confrontation between the Opposition and the ruling establishment.
