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Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi led opposition parties in a march to Jantar Mantar on Tuesday to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

 

The march followed a meeting chaired by Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. The leaders discussed preparing a letter seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner over issues linked to the SIR exercise.

 

Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi said the opposition had moved its protest to Jantar Mantar after being told on Monday that it could not demonstrate at the earlier location. He demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and said he was ready to face multiple FIRs, describing each case as a medal.

 

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien said the opposition parties were united and would continue their fight until the “giant” was removed. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha, referring to the meeting, remarked that there would be a lunch and perhaps a launch as well.

 

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the previous day’s developments, including Rahul Gandhi’s detention, had strengthened the opposition’s message.

 

Congress MP Deepender Hooda said the opposition would not be frightened by an FIR. He stated that he had received information about an FIR in which his name was also included, but maintained that the campaign to protect democracy and the Constitution would continue.

 

Security was tightened around Nirvachan Sadan as opposition leaders and MPs held their march. Key opposition representatives had assembled in New Delhi for the meeting convened by Kharge.

 

The opposition has stepped up its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The parties had staged a day-long protest on Tuesday, during which Rahul Gandhi was detained. Similar demonstrations are being held in several states, while the Congress has indicated that the campaign will continue until the CEC resigns.

 

Separately, Aam Aadmi Party leaders and workers were stopped at police barricades while attempting to march from Sindhi Academy near Kashmere Gate to the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer’s office. The party alleged widespread “vote theft”.