INDIA bloc to discuss 'vote chori' rally in online meeting, November 1 protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in line
PTC News Desk: The INDIA bloc will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday evening to discuss its protest strategy over the alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) issue and ways to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, sources said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will chair the meeting. Leaders will also review preparations for the opposition bloc’s rally scheduled to be held in Delhi on November 1.
The meeting comes amid speculation that the government may convene Parliament to pass a Constitution Amendment Bill related to delimitation, aimed at implementing the Women’s Reservation Act at an early stage.
Last week, opposition leaders, activists and civil society members held a “March for Democracy” in New Delhi on October 12. The march took place along a heavily barricaded route and was followed by the filing of a joint petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petition raised allegations of irregularities in the electoral process.
On October 12, Rahul Gandhi urged Kumar to resign and “turn approver”, alleging that larger forces were behind the alleged electoral wrongdoing. Gandhi also claimed that 200 government officers were in touch with the Opposition and passing on information.
“On October 12, INDIA bloc leaders and activists took part in a ‘March for Democracy’ in Delhi amid their ‘vote chori’ campaign. Separately, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge and nine other Opposition leaders filed a joint petition in the Supreme Court challenging the SIR of electoral rolls and alleging large-scale voter deletions and irregularities.”
On October 13, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hosted INDIA bloc leaders for tea at his residence. Following the meeting, opposition leaders pledged to continue their campaign over the alleged “vote chori” issue and take the fight to its logical conclusion.
- PTC NEWS
