New Delhi, October 29: The INDIA opposition bloc has finalised its plans for a symbolic “public impeachment” protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday, October 30. The protest is linked to opposition allegations of “vote theft” and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Opposition leaders met at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss how the programme would be conducted. They also discussed the issues to be raised during a mock Parliament session planned for Friday. Kharge was in Bengaluru at the time of the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh and K. C. Venugopal, along with Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress, Harendra Malik of the Samajwadi Party, Mahua Maji of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and John Brittas of the CPI(M), among others.
Kharge Says Opposition Will Continue Its Protest
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Kharge said the opposition would continue protesting over what it describes as “vote theft” and alleged irregularities involving the Election Commission.
He said opposition parties were supporting the protest. A mock Parliament session is scheduled for October 30, followed by a rally planned for November 1. Kharge said the opposition wanted to bring issues affecting democracy to the public’s attention.
One Speaker From Each Party
After the meeting, Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said the leaders had discussed the plan for the symbolic “public impeachment” programme.
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the mock Parliament session would raise issues related to the SIR exercise and allegations of vote theft. He said the programme would also highlight public concerns and show that opposition parties were working together.
Samajwadi Party leader Harendra Malik said one representative from each party would speak at the event. The party chief could speak personally or nominate another representative.
Programme to Be Held at Kharge’s Residence
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had earlier announced that the programme would take place at 3:30 pm on October 30 at Kharge’s residence at 10 Rajaji Marg in New Delhi.
Ramesh alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner had violated the spirit of the Constitution and weakened the foundations of electoral democracy. He also accused Kumar of providing incorrect information to the Supreme Court. These are allegations made by the Congress leader and have not been independently established.
The Congress had earlier said it was denied permission to hold the programme at other locations. It also accused the government of attempting to silence the opposition.
The Congress and other opposition parties have been demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The proposed “public impeachment” is a symbolic political protest. It is not a formal parliamentary or constitutional impeachment proceeding.
