New Delhi: The capital has become a hub of marches and protests demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Political parties, students, and social organisations have been taking to the streets to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner. Today, the INDIA bloc is leading the charge; over 140 MPs from the alliance began a march from Parliament to the Election Commission headquarters.
INDIA bloc MPs are marching from the Parliament House towards Nirvachan Sadan (Election Commission office). Several leaders, including SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and TMC MPs Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O’Brien, have been detained during this march. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is still attempting to reach the Election Commission office via the Akashvani Bhawan route.
Rahul Gandhi adamant on meeting the Chief Election Commissioner
Rahul Gandhi was stopped while trying to enter Akashvani Bhawan, a route he was taking to reach the Election Commission office. He was halted at the very entrance. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal have now sat on a dharna (sit-in protest) just 200 meters away from the Election Commission office.
Observing the swelling crowd of supporters and activists, a bus packed with Delhi Police personnel has arrived at the protest site. There is a possibility that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi could be detained if they do not end the sit-in soon.
What did Rahul Gandhi say about the Election Commissioner?
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has raised questions regarding the Election Commission and the Delhi Police. He stated that over 300 opposition MPs wanted to march from Parliament to the Election Commission to meet the Election Commissioners. He questioned why the Election Commissioners are refusing to meet them, given that these MPs represent crores of Indians.
He also asked why the Delhi Police is stopping them and why threats are being issued. Meanwhile, activists from the NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress have also gathered outside the Akashvani Bhawan. Several activists have been detained during this time. A large police force is deployed near the building.
Road Blocked with Barricades
The Delhi Police have placed barricades on the lane adjacent to the rear gate of Akashvani Bhawan. This has completely blocked the route leading to Nirvachan Sadan. Police personnel are stationed at the barricades near the rear gate and further along the lane. Akhilesh Yadav has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
He has accused the Election Commission of vote theft. Akhilesh Yadav stated that the BJP secured its victory in Bengal through fraud. Security arrangements have been tightened in view of the march. Leaders and MPs from various parties have joined this opposition protest march. The police have stopped INDIA bloc leaders near Nirvachan Sadan by erecting barricades. Several opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, have sat down in protest at the site.
