New Delhi: The Congress-led INDIA bloc is preparing a weekend escalation of its “vote chori” campaign, with a symbolic impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar followed by a large rally at Ramlila Maidan.
After authorities reportedly denied permission for the impeachment-style event at Ramlila Maidan, it has been shifted to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence at 10, Rajaji Marg. The main Opposition rally remains scheduled for Sunday at Ramlila Maidan, with INDIA bloc parties asked to ensure strong participation.
The events mark a renewed Opposition push after nearly two weeks of relative quiet. The bloc is demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Symbolic Proceeding
Congress leaders call the event a “public impeachment.” “We have submitted multiple motions in both Houses of Parliament to impeach Gyanesh Kumar. But despite having the required numbers, our motions have not been accepted in either House. Now, we have no choice but to impeach him in public,” said a senior Congress MP.
In April, presiding officers of both Houses rejected the Opposition’s motions seeking the CEC’s removal. The bloc has now chosen a public political demonstration instead, as reported by The
Indian Express.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal visited Kharge’s home to review preparations. A stage has reportedly been erected on the lawn for the event.
According to Congress sources, it will include a mock hearing and simulated parliamentary and court proceedings, with speeches by MPs, jurists, lawyers and ordinary citizens. “It is still being worked out who will do what. One can say it will be like a short play where everyone will have a role. Common people, including those affected by the SIR, will also be called,” said a source.
Participants And Plan
Senior INDIA bloc leaders met at Kharge’s residence on Thursday to finalise arrangements. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is expected to preside.
“Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, will introduce the motion. All INDIA bloc parties will have speakers during proceedings as per their strength in Parliament. Some civil society members and SIR victims whose names have been deleted will also be given a chance to speak. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will sum up the arguments. The programme will end with the singing of the national anthem,” said the source.
The source added: “It is a representation of Parliament. We will not have anyone acting as members from Treasury benches.”
The idea reportedly came from a Left MP at a high-tea hosted by Rahul Gandhi on October 13.
Sunday Mobilisation
The Congress is treating Sunday’s rally as a major show of strength. Priyanka Gandhi and Venugopal have been meeting state leaders to maximise turnout; western Uttar Pradesh has reportedly been asked to mobilise at least 25,000 workers.
Haryana Congress leaders met at Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s residence. MP Deepender Hooda said: “If the largest number of people come from any state, it will be Haryana. We issue this challenge on behalf of the Haryana Congress. While this is a collective effort by the INDIA bloc, Haryana will contribute the largest number of participants.”
“Hotels and lodges are being booked and MPs’ bungalows will also be available to workers from October 31. Most people will reach Delhi a day before the rally to avoid last-minute hiccups,” said a Rajasthan MP.
On possible disruption from anti-pollution curbs, a senior Congress leader said: “We knew the government would create some hurdles. But those who want to come will reach Ramlila Maidan.”
Rahul’s Appeal
Rahul Gandhi urged citizens to join, calling it a national protest. “This is not a march for any single political party — it is a march for the very soul of India,” he said on X.
“To all those who have had enough of Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Gyanesh Kumar—to everyone who wishes to save our democracy and defend our Constitution—I invite you all to join,” he added.
“The BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics. Come march with us – we will walk together to protect the Constitution, to protect the Indian nation. There is no need to panic,” he said. “I urge all student groups, regardless of your political affiliation – if you feel that India is under attack, if you feel you are under attack, your expression, your ideas, your way of thinking is under attack, come and join us. It will be a fantastic march, and it’s a march for the soul of this country,” he said.