The INDIA bloc marched to the Supreme Court to protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging large-scale voter deletions and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Neha Bora, participated amid a massive crowd of protesters in Delhi.
March and Protest Details
Rahul Gandhi did not visit Jantar Mantar, where Neha Bora and other AISA activists were on an indefinite hunger strike. However, during the march to the Supreme Court, Bora walked alongside Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, with Rahul Gandhi close behind, protecting the two women through the crowd and media presence.
The protest concerned the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and accusations of major voter deletions. Opposition leaders accused the Election Commission of facilitating “vote chori” and demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Supreme Court Petition
In the evening, Rahul Gandhi and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi filed a petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Opposition, challenging the ongoing electoral roll revisions and deletions.
Impact on Delhi and Crowd Dynamics
The march caused heavy traffic congestion in central Delhi, stretching from the Constitution Club to the Supreme Court. Protesters gathered along the route, brandishing flags and chanting slogans like “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chor.” Opposition MPs began their journey in Volvo buses but continued on foot from near Barakhamba Road, struggling through dense crowds.
Opposition Leaders and Unity
The demonstration united leaders from across the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot, and Mukul Wasnik. Other participants included Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Tejashwi Yadav from RJD, CPI’s D Raja, CPI(M)’s M A Baby, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, NCP’s Supriya Sule, TMC’s Sagarika Ghosh, civil society activist Yogendra Yadav, and Neha Bora.
Despite political differences, leaders displayed camaraderie during the march. CPI leader Annie Raja emphasized the joint commitment, saying, “This is beyond party lines. We have all come together to save democracy.” Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar highlighted the core issue remarking to ThePrint, “The right to vote is right to live.”
Crowd Conditions and Support
The dense crowd left many shoes scattered along the roadside, with some protesters losing footwear in the crush, while others walked barefoot due to injuries. Supporters distributed ice cream, bananas, and fruits to the protesters. Congress Seva Dal workers moved throughout the route distributing water and maintaining support with several trucks.
Various opposition party flags, including Congress and Samajwadi Party flags, appeared alongside the dominant Indian Tricolour, symbolizing unity during the march through central Delhi.
