Amid SIR row, INDIA bloc puts up united front, targets PM Modi, Shah
The INDIA opposition bloc has announced a month-long nationwide protest starting October 2 to challenge the government and the Election Commission. The coalition is demanding a return to paper ballots and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Why it matters
The escalation of protests by a major opposition coalition signals a significant challenge to the perceived integrity of India's electoral processes.
NEW DELHI: Upping the ante against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and PM Modi, the opposition INDIA bloc Wednesday announced a month-long nationwide agitation starting Oct 2, coinciding with the protest call given by various student bodies, including the Cockroach Janata Party, in Delhi and states. Crucially, the opposition collectively demanded that elections should revert to ballot papers from EVMs, and that pre-SIR electoral rolls be restored for future elections. It also sought an effective appeals mechanism for voters excluded from the rolls. The opposition has sought immediate resignation of the chief election commissioner.After deliberations, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the six-day agitation from Oct 2-8 would start with district-level "save democracy" protests. He said opposition MPs will march to the EC office in Delhi on Oct 6.Moving forward, the alliance will hold five major rallies in cities during Oct-Nov, including a mega rally in Delhi on Nov 1.
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