Leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday and submitted a memorandum raising concerns over alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The delegation included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders.
The meeting came amid ongoing opposition protests over alleged irregularities in voter lists and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Four Major Demands
According to reports, the memorandum raised four key demands:
- Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner: The Opposition demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
- Suspension of SIR: Leaders called for the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision process and restoration of voters they allege were wrongly removed from electoral rolls.
- Return to ballot papers: The delegation demanded that elections be conducted using paper ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Review of recent elections: The Opposition called for a review of Assembly elections held over the past two years where it alleges electoral irregularities occurred.
These demands reflect the Opposition’s position and have not been established as findings of electoral wrongdoing.
President Asks Opposition to Provide Evidence
- After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters that President Murmu had asked the delegation to provide evidence supporting its allegations of “vote chori”.
- The Opposition leaders said they were preparing material to submit in support of their claims.
- Rahul Gandhi alleged that electoral irregularities had affected elections in several states. These allegations have not been independently established as proof that the elections were stolen.
Opposition Plans Further Action
- Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition intended to approach the Supreme Court on Monday to seek a meeting with the Chief Justice of India and submit a memorandum.
- The meeting with the President followed several days of opposition demonstrations in Delhi, including marches and protests concerning the Election Commission and the SIR process.
Why This Matters
- The controversy has renewed debate over electoral transparency, voter-list revisions, the use of EVMs and the accountability of constitutional institutions.
- The next developments will depend on the evidence presented, responses from the relevant authorities and any subsequent legal proceedings.
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