New Delhi: Top leaders of the INDIA bloc took to the streets in the national capital, launching a protest march against the central government over alleged electoral fraud and the compromise of constitutional institutions.
The opposition INDIA bloc on Monday began a protest march from the Constitution Club of India in the national capital against the central government and the Election Commission over alleged electoral irregularities.
Amid heavy security arrangements and barricading by the Delhi Police, Opposition leaders announced that they would approach the Supreme Court to file a writ petition to safeguard democratic and constitutional rights.
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said the Opposition was following legal channels to seek redressal.
“We will proceed according to what the CJI has said, and we will file the petition. We have faith in the court,” Shukla said.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reached the Constitution Club. Former Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav also extended their support to the march.
Opposition Accuses Centre Of Suppressing Dissent
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi accused the ruling dispensation of suppressing dissent and weaponising state machinery, rejecting allegations that the demonstrators were disrupting order.
“Every dictatorial government says the same thing when dissenting voices rise against it. What anarchy are the students and youth of this country spreading? Goons are beating women along with the Delhi Police… The Leader of the Opposition wants to meet the Election Commissioner with 300 MPs—is this anarchy? The government is creating anarchy. De-notifying Jantar Mantar from protests—this is anarchy, this is fear, this is cowardice,” Pratapgarhi said.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel said the Opposition’s fight would continue until democratic accountability was restored, alleging electoral malpractice.
“This fight will continue until democracy is restored, because this government was formed through the theft of votes. Our demand involves knocking on the doors of all institutions that empower or safeguard democracy. We first approached the Election Commission, then went to Jantar Mantar, the site of protests, then to the President and now to the judiciary. We are fighting for the people of the country,” Baghel asserted.
Rahul Gandhi Leads Opposition’s Legal Push
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav said Opposition workers were marching towards the Supreme Court under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.
“People from across Delhi and the entire country are coming together in large numbers. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, we are going to file a writ petition in the Supreme Court. After meeting with the President and attempting to reach Jantar Mantar and Rajghat to offer prayers, we are moving forward because Gyanesh Kumar refuses to step down,” Yadav said.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the call for unity came directly from the Leader of the Opposition.
“We are gathering the people to start a movement,” he stated. “Rahul Gandhi summoned everyone to walk unitedly.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut affirmed the bloc’s cohesion, remarking, “We are with what Rahul Gandhi does.”
Leaders Target Constitutional Institutions
Congress MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna expressed frustration over the alleged partisan behaviour of constitutional bodies.
“We are trying to reach all constitutional bodies, but they are not favouring or upholding the Constitution,” he said.
Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi described the struggle as a long-term commitment that goes beyond immediate political gains.
“This is the people’s battle and it will continue,” he asserted.
Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring accused the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister of using the Delhi Police to suppress democratic dissent.
“It is PM Modi and the police who are flaunting their power; for us, it is a fight,” Warring said. “The Delhi Police is displaying its might on the orders of Amit Shah. If we want to meet Gyanesh Kumar, we should be allowed. Why is the government protecting him? Because he is working for them. The public has started to feel that the country is being betrayed.”
Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad underscored the ideological focus of the march.
“Public is the top priority in democracy and we are going there to save democracy,” he said.
TMC MP Saugata Roy said the Opposition was discussing its next course of action.
“It is yet to be decided where we would march, but everyone is gathering at the Constitution Club,” Roy explained. “We saw what the CJI heard, we would decide what to do next.”
Jantar Mantar De-Notified As Protest Venue
The march took place against the backdrop of an administrative change under which Jantar Mantar, the historic protest hub in central Delhi, was officially de-notified as a designated venue for demonstrations.
According to an official notice, the Delhi Police designated three alternative locations for protests: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and the CBD Ground in East Delhi.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had previously constituted a high-level committee to review alternative venues where citizens could exercise their right to hold demonstrations. Acting on the committee’s recommendations, Jantar Mantar was withdrawn as an active demonstration site.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar stated that a detailed and revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing rallies and demonstrations at the newly designated venues would be notified separately. The order partially modifies the earlier Standing Order dated April 28, 2022.
Follow the NewsMobile WhatsApp Community to get all the latest updates from around the world, directly on your WhatsApp
