Last Updated on October 12, 2026 12:50 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Opposition Plans Fresh Show of Strength Today
Our Correspondent / New Delhi
The Congress party, the CJP and several INDIA bloc constituents are set to intensify their campaign against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar today, with a fresh round of protests, marches and political mobilization over allegations linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders have described the movement as a fight to protect voting rights and democratic institutions, while the government and election authorities have rejected charges of wrongdoing.
Congress leaders said the party, along with other opposition groups and youth organizations, would continue demonstrations in the national capital and press for accountability over alleged irregularities in voter list revision. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal termed the agitation a “second freedom struggle” and asserted that opposition parties would remain united in challenging what they describe as threats to democratic processes.
The renewed mobilization follows dramatic developments on October 11, when Delhi witnessed heightened security arrangements ahead of a protest call by the CJP. Large sections of central Delhi were heavily barricaded, with security personnel deployed across key locations. Protesters attempting to gather near Jantar Mantar and other areas were detained by police, while several student and youth organizations alleged excessive restrictions on peaceful demonstrations.
One of the most significant incidents on October 11 was the detention of numerous activists and opposition supporters during anti-CEC demonstrations. According to multiple reports, student leaders and activists affiliated with organizations such as SFI, AISA and other groups were taken into custody while attempting to march in central Delhi. CJP leaders later vowed to continue the agitation until their demands were addressed.
Another controversy erupted after CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas alleged that he was manhandled by security personnel during the protests. Brittas claimed he suffered injuries during his detention and sought an independent inquiry into the incident. Several opposition leaders condemned the episode, describing it as evidence of an increasingly confrontational approach towards dissent.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Sunday sought explanations regarding detentions and restrictions imposed during the demonstrations. The court emphasized that there should be no illegal detention of peaceful protesters and directed authorities to ensure normal functioning of public transport and internet services, subject to law-and-order considerations.
Political tensions are expected to remain high today as Congress, CJP and allied organizations push ahead with their campaign. Opposition leaders argue that the issue goes beyond any single election exercise and concerns the credibility of India’s democratic framework. With fresh demonstrations planned and legal challenges continuing, the confrontation between the opposition and authorities over the anti-CEC movement appears set to enter a new phase.
Rahul Gandhi Calls for Supreme Court March
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has called for a march to the Supreme Court by Congress, INDIA bloc leaders and civil society representatives to submit a memorandum over allegations of “vote chori” and concerns related to electoral roll revisions. According to opposition leaders, the march is intended to seek judicial intervention and highlight their demand for accountability from Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner.
The call for the march came a day after widespread detentions of protesters and opposition activists in Delhi during anti-CEC demonstrations. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said the opposition would continue its agitation despite security restrictions, describing the movement as a struggle to safeguard voting rights and democratic institutions.
The proposed march has added a new political dimension to the ongoing protests led by Congress, the CJP and other opposition groups. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has sought explanations regarding detentions and restrictions imposed during the demonstrations, while emphasizing that peaceful protests should not face illegal curbs.
Opposition parties are expected to use the Supreme Court march as a show of unity and to escalate pressure on the Election Commission and the Centre over the controversy surrounding the electoral roll revision process.