The Opposition MPs Delhi protest intensified on Thursday as INDIA bloc leaders gathered for a lunch meeting in central Delhi while preparations continued for another demonstration against the Election Commission.
The lunch was hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as Opposition parties coordinated their next steps over their objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The meeting followed two consecutive days of protests in Delhi, during which Opposition MPs attempted to march towards the Election Commission and Jantar Mantar. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the leaders detained by Delhi Police during the demonstrations.
The Opposition has alleged irregularities in the voter-list revision process and has sought greater transparency from the poll panel. The Election Commission has maintained that the electoral-roll exercise is intended to ensure eligible voters are included while removing ineligible entries.
Heavy Security Deployed in Central Delhi
Security arrangements were tightened across central Delhi as Opposition leaders and party workers prepared for further protests. Barricades were placed at key locations, while security personnel were deployed around areas connected to the planned demonstrations.
The heightened deployment comes after confrontations and detentions during earlier marches. Delhi Police also imposed restrictions on gatherings at Rajghat after the Congress announced plans for a protest there on Thursday.
The Opposition’s protest campaign has been part of a broader INDIA bloc strategy announced earlier to hold demonstrations over alleged electoral irregularities and the SIR exercise. The bloc had also planned further nationwide mobilisation and rallies.
BJP Hits Back at Opposition Campaign
Amid the protests, BJP leaders criticised the Opposition’s campaign and defended the government’s record on welfare delivery.
A BJP leader argued that direct benefit transfers had helped ensure government assistance reached intended beneficiaries and prevented leakages, resulting in savings for the public exchequer.
The BJP has rejected the Opposition’s allegations surrounding the Election Commission and accused its political rivals of attempting to undermine constitutional institutions.
The Opposition, meanwhile, has maintained that its protests are focused on electoral transparency and accountability.
With demonstrations continuing in Delhi, the political confrontation between the INDIA bloc and the Election Commission has emerged as a major point of contention, with both sides presenting sharply different interpretations of the electoral-roll revision process.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem