Escalating the Opposition’s offensive against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi delivered a fiery address targeting the poll chief over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter cleanup drive.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Gandhi claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is in state of severe panic amid growing public protests, announcing that the INDIA bloc would file a formal petition in the Supreme Court against the poll head.
Key Highlights of Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks
1. Direct Attack on CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Mocking the Chief Election Commissioner, Gandhi stated that the poll chief is feeling the pressure of widespread public demonstrations:
“Gyanesh Kumar is in fear. He is unable to sleep… We know about your past and your corruption, and we are waiting.”
He warned that the Opposition would hold the CEC accountable for alleged violations related to electoral roll modifications.
2. Alleged Discontent Within Police Ranks & Government
In a major political charge, Gandhi claimed that discontent extends deep within the security apparatus and government machinery:
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Police Sentiment: Gandhi alleged that at least 50% of deployed police personnel sympathized with the demonstrators, privately questioning why they were being asked to protect the CEC during the crackdown on peaceful rallies.
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Whistleblowers in Government: He further claimed that around 200 government officers are actively in contact with the Opposition, sharing internal inputs regarding administrative decisions.
3. Call for a Broad-Based “People’s Movement”
Shifting the strategy beyond a purely political confrontation, Gandhi urged citizens, youth, and civil society groups to join the march toward the Supreme Court while carrying the national flag:
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Unifying Protests: He welcomed youth groups—including the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)—to join hands, framing the agitation as a collective movement to “protect the Constitution”.
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Resolve for Long-Term Agitation: Emphasizing perseverance despite police action, Gandhi declared that the demonstrations would continue indefinitely—whether it takes “days, weeks, months, or years.”
What Lies Ahead
Following his press conference, INDIA bloc leaders and supporters initiated a 3-kilometer protest march from Barakhamba Road toward the Supreme Court to submit their petition demanding judicial intervention and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
