Opposition leaders led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are set to hold a major rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1, protesting the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The INDIA bloc parties are expected to participate in the gathering, raising concerns over voter rights and the removal of names from electoral lists.
The opposition has accused the Election Commission of conducting the exercise in a way that could affect eligible voters. Leaders have described the issue as “vote chori” and demanded greater transparency in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The reported figure of more than 130 million deleted names is part of the opposition’s claims and requires clarification on the number of deletions, states covered and reasons for removal.
The rally is expected to target Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with opposition parties planning to raise questions about voter data, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the vote-counting process.
Delhi Police has reportedly granted permission for the gathering subject to conditions, including the requirement that the event conclude by 5 PM. Organisers are also planning a march and a symbolic public impeachment of the Chief Election Commissioner as part of their protest.
The proposed rally comes amid continuing political disagreements between the opposition and the Election Commission over electoral roll revisions. The INDIA bloc leaders are expected to use the gathering to demand safeguards for voters and greater transparency in the electoral process.
