Opposition Plans Supreme Court March Over Electoral Roll Dispute

Opposition leaders under the INDIA bloc plan to march to the Supreme Court on October 12 to protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge sought a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to submit a memorandum alleging electoral irregularities.

The CJI declined the meeting request, stating the matters are sub judice and must be addressed through formal petitions rather than administrative meetings. Sources said the CJI emphasized the court's doors remain open to protect fundamental rights.

“We will march as Indians — as every person who believes in democracy and wants to stand up for democracy.”

Despite the refusal, Gandhi confirmed the march will proceed. He described it as a non-partisan movement of Indians defending democracy and the Constitution, urging youth, opposition parties, and civil society to join.

Gandhi alleged that peaceful youth protesters in Delhi were beaten by police and ruling party supporters on October 11. He framed the demonstration as a response to what he called "vote theft" and the suppression of democratic voices.

The opposition demands three specific outcomes: halting the SIR exercise, the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and an end to alleged electoral manipulation. The march aims to submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice on behalf of the nation.