Opposition INDIA bloc plans mock assembly and march against Chief Election Commissioner

NEW DELHI — The opposition INDIA bloc has announced plans to hold a symbolic public impeachment proceeding and mock assembly against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30 in New Delhi.

The event will be followed by a mass “Dilli Chalo” march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1, according to announcements by alliance leaders. The escalating confrontation stems from opposition accusations of systemic vote theft, mass voter deletions, and arbitrary electoral roll modifications during the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

Top opposition figures, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, have repeatedly demanded the poll chief’s resignation. In addition to calling for Gyanesh Kumar’s removal, opposition parties are demanding the repeal of Section 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. Critics argue that the provision, which grants legal immunity to election commissioners for official duties, shields top poll officials from institutional accountability.

While the proposed public impeachment carries no statutory force under the Constitution of India—which prescribes a strict parliamentary removal process requiring a two-thirds majority in both Houses—the mobilization marks a sharp escalation in tensions between opposition parties and independent constitutional bodies.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the planned agitation. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the INDIA bloc and Rahul Gandhi of spreading confusion, lies, and deceit, and attempting to manufacture political anarchy by attacking constitutional bodies. The ruling party maintained that the poll panel functions independently within constitutional limits and dismissed the opposition actions as political stunts.

The Election Commission has consistently rejected all allegations of bias, maintaining that voter list updates are routine, legally sound procedures aimed at removing duplicate or deceased entries.

As part of the upcoming protest schedule, top opposition parliamentarians and alliance leaders will gather at the mock assembly on October 30 to deliver a public verdict demanding the poll chief’s removal, as confirmed by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal. The alliance subsequently intends to lead the Dilli Chalo march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1.