The protest by the 'INDIA' bloc against the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar continued for the third consecutive day on Thursday. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other opposition MPs, visited Rajghat to stage a sit-in protest before returning late in the evening. The opposition alliance is now gearing up for another major protest march scheduled for Friday.
MPs Head to Rajghat Following Strategy Lunch
Earlier on Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hosted a lunch meeting for opposition MPs and key leaders at a Connaught Place restaurant. Leaders from various parties including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), CPI, CPIM, and RJD attended the gathering. Following the meeting, the leaders boarded buses to head towards Rajghat. Security was heavily beefed up by Delhi Police with heavy barricading and deployment across central Delhi.
'Country Hijacked Through Criminal Conspiracy': Rahul Gandhi
Before heading to Rajghat, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the central government and the poll panel. He claimed that around 300 opposition MPs wanted to peacefully put forth their views, but their democratic rights were being suppressed by the administration.
"The truth is that Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have hijacked the country through a criminal conspiracy. They have destroyed the constitution and stolen people's votes," Gandhi alleged, adding that everyone involved would eventually face justice.
Mamata Banerjee Expected to Join Friday's March
With all eyes now set on Friday's developments, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee confirmed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi and will join the opposition protest march. Several other senior leaders of the INDIA bloc are also expected to participate. The opposition continues to demand transparency in voter lists and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, while the poll panel and BJP have rejected all allegations.
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National Desk, The Freelance
Verified Editorial DeskPolitics, Governance & Public Interest Reporting Team
The Freelance National Desk provides round-the-clock, verified, and in-depth analytical reporting on Indian politics, governance, policy decisions, parliamentary affairs, and public interest matters. We are committed to unbiased, factual journalism based on verified agencies, official statements, and on-the-ground correspondents.