INDIA Bloc Launches ‘Save Democracy’ Campaign Over SIR Row
The INDIA bloc has launched its week-long ‘Save Democracy’ campaign from October 2, intensifying its opposition to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The campaign will continue until October 8 and will include district-level protests across the country.
The Opposition parties have raised concerns about the SIR exercise and demanded greater transparency in the electoral-roll revision process. The campaign also includes a planned march to the Election Commission in New Delhi on October 6. Opposition MPs from both Houses are expected to participate in the march.
INDIA Bloc Announces Six-Point Protest Plan
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced the campaign after a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders in New Delhi. According to the plan, Opposition parties will hold demonstrations at district headquarters from October 2 to 8. They will also organise major rallies in the coming weeks to highlight their concerns about electoral rolls and the election process.
The bloc also plans to seek a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October. In addition, Opposition leaders want the Supreme Court to expedite cases related to SIR and alleged electoral irregularities. The alliance has also renewed its demand for the use of ballot papers in future elections.
Opposition Targets Election Commission Over SIR
The INDIA bloc has demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders have linked their demand to concerns surrounding the SIR process and reported disagreements within the Election Commission. These claims remain part of the Opposition’s political allegations.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, has taken steps to address concerns about voters who may have been left out of electoral rolls. The poll body has ordered a special drive in 20 states where SIR has been completed, aimed at identifying eligible voters who were left out.
BJP Responds To INDIA Bloc Campaign
The campaign has also drawn criticism from the BJP. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the proposed protest as a campaign to protect political families rather than democracy. His comments represent the BJP’s response to the Opposition’s allegations.
With protests beginning on Gandhi Jayanti, the SIR issue is set to remain a major political flashpoint. The October 6 march to the Election Commission will be the next major event in the INDIA bloc’s campaign.
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