Mallikarjun Kharge urges citizens to join the INDIA bloc’s November 1 ‘Save Votes–Save the Nation’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged citizens to join the INDIA bloc’s November 1 ‘Save Votes–Save the Nation’ march and mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, accusing the Narendra Modi government of protecting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls.
In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the Election Commission had refused to disclose information about the software used in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing “Trade Secrets”.
Kharge also claimed that details of 16.18 lakh Form-6 applications in Uttar Pradesh had not been made public and that irregularities involving 10,470 voters had been detected in records from Pilibhit. He said an investigation into Forms 6, 7 and 8 had subsequently been ordered across the state.
Also read: Rajnath Singh slams Kharge over ‘Baap’ remark on PM Modi, says Congress has hurt public sentiments
Form 6 is used to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls, while Forms 7 and 8 are used for objections to entries and corrections or updates to voter details, respectively.
Kharge described the allegations as evidence of a need for greater accountability in the electoral process. The claims were made in his X post and were not independently verified in the information available.
The Congress chief outlined three demands of the INDIA alliance: the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and repeal of the 2023 law governing his appointment; an immediate halt to SIR and restoration of names of voters allegedly removed illegally; and the use of paper ballots in all elections.
Calling the campaign a struggle to protect the Constitution and democracy, Kharge appealed to citizens to attend the November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan.
Also read: Sanjay Raut writes to Shah, seeks ED probe into Jarange's audio clip on 'Rs 500 crore' payout
Traders seek postponement of rally over festive-season business concerns
The rally has also drawn concern from Delhi’s trading community, which has urged the INDIA bloc to postpone the demonstration until after the festive season, citing the potential impact on business and market access.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to defer the rally until after November 10. In its representation, the trade body flagged the risk of traffic diversions, barricading and possible restrictions on public transport affecting wholesale and retail markets during the peak Diwali shopping period.
Kharge has acknowledged the traders’ request and said the INDIA bloc would deliberate on it before arriving at a decision. He maintained that the campaign against alleged “vote theft” was also a public-interest issue, while indicating that the concerns raised by traders would be considered.
The November 1 rally is part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and its demand for accountability from the Election Commission. Whether the event will go ahead on the scheduled date or be postponed remains subject to the alliance’s decision.
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In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the Election Commission had refused to disclose information about the software used in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing “Trade Secrets”.
Kharge also claimed that details of 16.18 lakh Form-6 applications in Uttar Pradesh had not been made public and that irregularities involving 10,470 voters had been detected in records from Pilibhit. He said an investigation into Forms 6, 7 and 8 had subsequently been ordered across the state.
Also read: Rajnath Singh slams Kharge over ‘Baap’ remark on PM Modi, says Congress has hurt public sentiments
Form 6 is used to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls, while Forms 7 and 8 are used for objections to entries and corrections or updates to voter details, respectively.
Kharge described the allegations as evidence of a need for greater accountability in the electoral process. The claims were made in his X post and were not independently verified in the information available.
The Congress chief outlined three demands of the INDIA alliance: the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and repeal of the 2023 law governing his appointment; an immediate halt to SIR and restoration of names of voters allegedly removed illegally; and the use of paper ballots in all elections.
Calling the campaign a struggle to protect the Constitution and democracy, Kharge appealed to citizens to attend the November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan.
Also read: Sanjay Raut writes to Shah, seeks ED probe into Jarange's audio clip on 'Rs 500 crore' payout
Traders seek postponement of rally over festive-season business concerns
The rally has also drawn concern from Delhi’s trading community, which has urged the INDIA bloc to postpone the demonstration until after the festive season, citing the potential impact on business and market access.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to defer the rally until after November 10. In its representation, the trade body flagged the risk of traffic diversions, barricading and possible restrictions on public transport affecting wholesale and retail markets during the peak Diwali shopping period.
Kharge has acknowledged the traders’ request and said the INDIA bloc would deliberate on it before arriving at a decision. He maintained that the campaign against alleged “vote theft” was also a public-interest issue, while indicating that the concerns raised by traders would be considered.
The November 1 rally is part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and its demand for accountability from the Election Commission. Whether the event will go ahead on the scheduled date or be postponed remains subject to the alliance’s decision.
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