Anti-SIR protest: 'Not going to let Gyanesh Kumar escape,' says Rahul Gandhi at mock Parliament impeachment event

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the "public impeachment" of Gyanesh Kumar is a "political weapon" targeted at those who "colluded" to destroy the votes of the Indian people, asserting that the chief election commissioner should be tried in court for treason.

Supporting a resolution to impeach Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kumar, Gandhi said it is strange that the opposition MPs and leaders had to gather in the garden of the (Rajya Sabha) leader of the opposition's residence as all other institutions were shut for them.

"I fully support the motion to impeach Gyanesh Kumar, who should be tried for treason in court and justice should be served," Gandhi said while concluding his speech.

Thereafter, the resolution to remove the CEC was passed unanimously with the raising of hands.

The symbolic "public impeachment" was held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at 10, Rajaji Marg.

Gandhi said the opposition held the impeachment proceedings in a garden "because we had no other option, as every single institution is closed to us".

"I don't think anything like this has ever happened in history: the entire opposition sitting in a garden to discuss the impeachment of the chief election commissioner of India," Gandhi said.
(PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday warned Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar that the Opposition would not allow him and others allegedly involved in electoral irregularities to escape accountability, asserting that they would have to face the representatives of the people of India.

Addressing the INDIA bloc's symbolic public impeachment programme against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Rahul Gandhi said that the Chief Election Commissioner was only one among several people allegedly involved in what he described as an assault on the country.

"We are not going to let you escape. I also want to address the people who have carried out this assault on the Union of India. Gyanesh Kumar is just one element; there are many others. We know who they are, and we understand deeply who they are," he said.
(ANI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Saturday said the immunity and protection for the President and the Chief Election Commissioner are already enshrined in the Constitution and that the BJP has not created any new law in this regard.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Patra said the government has only introduced a specific procedure for it, which was not explicitly defined earlier.

"The BJP did not create this immunity by enacting a new law. The BJP did not introduce any law that did not already exist. Immunity and protection for the President and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) are already enshrined in the Constitution. However, the specific procedure was not explicitly defined," Patra said.

Referring to a 2023 incident in Telangana, Patra said, "In August 2023, in Telangana, a lower special court ordered that an FIR be filed against the Chief Election Commissioner. The High Court immediately quashed the order, stating that this was not the correct procedure and directed that it be dismissed."

"But it became evident then that, due to political pressure, anyone could file a case or an FIR against individuals, even those holding high constitutional offices who are protected by the Constitution, without any regard for the law. Therefore, a procedure was introduced. It was merely a procedure. The legal provision already existed within the Constitution. The Constitution of India provides this protection," he added.
(ANI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday demanded the immediate removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the scrapping of the 2023 law providing immunity to the CEC, accusing the poll panel chief of working under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Moving a 'motion' for the removal of the CEC at the symbolic "public impeachment" organised by the INDIA bloc here, Kharge said that if people like Kumar stay on constitutional posts, the threat to democracy and the Constitution will keep increasing.

"The Modi government has hatched every conspiracy since 2014 to cling to power: stealing MPs, breaking parties, stealing governments, electoral bonds, misuse of ED/CBI. And now vote theft -- cut opposition votes and rule," he alleged, adding that there are hundreds of examples of "vote chori".

The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha listed out 6 charges against CEC Kumar, including a conspiracy to "steal" elections, "deletion" of 13.2 crore voters, "amending" Form 6 without Parliamentary oversight or knowledge, "seizing" electoral rolls through ECINET, "shutting out" the other two Election Commissioners and acting at the behest of PM Modi and Shah.
(PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra launched a blistering counter-offensive against the opposition INDIA bloc over its "symbolic public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the very first instance of "vote theft" in independent India was committed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to deny Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the Prime Minister’s post.

Targeting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over allegations of electoral malpractice, Patra invoked India’s first Home Minister on his birth anniversary, remarking that historical "vote theft" was an indisputable fact—engineered by the Gandhi family's first member.

"Today, regarding their allegation of vote theft, as Kharge ji was speaking about this issue of vote theft, I would like to tell Kharge ji: Yes, there is truth to the claim of vote theft. Vote theft did indeed take place. Today is October 31st. It is the birth anniversary of the revered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. And if there was ever a vote theft in India, it was committed by the first member of the Gandhi family, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who stole the votes of prominent Congress leaders," Patra said during a press conference in the national capital.

Taking a direct swipe at Nehru's appointment as India's first Prime Minister, Patra added, "Those leaders had cast their votes in a ballot box to elect Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Prime Minister. By stealing those votes, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the Prime Minister of the country, an unelected Prime Minister."

Slamming the INDIA bloc's mock impeachment demonstration against the CEC, Patra claimed that the grand old party was denigrating democratic institutions through theatrics.

"The drama that the Congress party is currently staging, this 'mock parliament', is, in effect, making a mockery of the Parliament itself. Let all your speakers and participants there hear this: the very first instance of vote-stealing was committed by Nehru himself," the BJP leader remarked.
(ANI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Delhi: BJP MP Sambit Patra told news agency ANI, "The drama that the Congress party is currently staging, this 'mock parliament', is, in effect, making a mockery of the Parliament itself. Let all your speakers and participants there hear this: the very first instance of vote-stealing was committed by Nehru himself...The SIR process is currently ongoing. Across various states, the names of 13 crore people have not yet been included in the final electoral roll. Why is this the case? What is this 'ASDD' formula? 'A' stands for 'Absent'. There is an official known as a BLO (Booth Level Officer). The BLO is responsible for an 'enumeration form' that every individual is required to complete. The BLO visits your home three times with this form. If you are not present on any of these three occasions, you are marked as 'absent', and your name is excluded from the electoral roll. What about 'S' in 'ASDD'? It stands for 'Shifted'—permanently shifted..."

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: The INDIA bloc on Saturday held a symbolic "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the right to vote was under threat as the poll panel was functioning at the behest of the Modi government.

The proceedings, presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, were held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. INDIA bloc leaders, MPs, civil society representatives and some of the individuals who alleged wrongful deletion of their names from electoral rolls attended the meeting, setting the tone for the Sunday rally by the opposition in the national capital to ramp up pressure for CEC Kumar's removal.

Moving the motion, Kharge accused CEC Kumar of treason, as he read the "charges" against him, and demanded his removal, the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners and an end to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha alleged that Kumar was running the Election Commission at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
(PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates LIVE: The INDIA bloc on Saturday issued a resolution listing six charges against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his removal over alleged violations of the Constitution and manipulation of electoral rolls.

The resolution was adopted at a symbolic 'public impeachment' event held in New Delhi on October 31, as opposition leaders intensified their protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The resolution, issued in the name of INDIA bloc MPs and citizens assembled in the national capital, said the actions of the CEC posed a serious threat to universal adult franchise guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution.

The first charge accused Kumar of being part of an alleged criminal conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to manipulate national and state elections. It alleged that he had allowed the ruling party to access electoral rolls and add or delete voters at will to influence election outcomes.

The second charge held Kumar responsible for what the bloc described as a manipulated and destructive SIR exercise. The resolution alleged that 13.2 crore voters had been intentionally deleted from electoral rolls, depriving them of their constitutional right to vote. It also accused the Election Commission of carrying out the exercise in a partisan and opaque manner, in violation of the principles of natural justice.

The third charge accused the CEC of illegally amending Form 6 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, without parliamentary oversight or knowledge. The resolution alleged that the amendment was aimed at preventing first-time voters from enrolling and exercising their right to vote.

The fourth charge alleged that Kumar had centralised control over electoral rolls within the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the use of ERONET/ECINET software. It claimed that this prevented local Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) from adding legitimate voters while facilitating deletions from the rolls.

The fifth charge accused Kumar of violating the law by excluding the other two Election Commissioners from decision-making. According to the resolution, seven associates in the ECI were involved in the alleged violation, which prompted the two excluded commissioners to record at least 14 objections.

The sixth charge accused Kumar of failing to function independently and uphold the Constitution. The resolution alleged that he had repeatedly targeted opposition parties, denied their leaders hearings and prevented them from raising their concerns before the Election Commission. It also accused him of remaining silent when opposition leaders were allegedly disqualified from contesting elections and assaulted outside the poll body's office.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said the INDIA bloc had no personal enmity with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and only wanted the Election Commission to function impartially.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an end to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and changes to the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday levelled six charges against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a mock impeachment event organised by the INDIA bloc amid its protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrived at the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor arrived at party president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence to attend the mock Parliament, where the opposition is holding a 'public impeachment' of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Tharoor said the impeachment notices moved by the Congress and other opposition parties had not been admitted by the presiding officers of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, leaving them with “no choice” but to conduct the exercise outside Parliament.

He added that if the Home Minister advised the presiding officers to admit the notices, the opposition could pursue the impeachment process in Parliament.

On the Congress's proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan, Tharoor said the party leadership would have to take a call on the next course of action. However, he maintained that “Ramlila Maidan, as far as I'm concerned, is on,” adding that people were expected to arrive from across the country.

(via PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: “If people in power would have listened to public interest then this impeachment would have been done in Parliament”, says AISA President Neha Bora on 'public impeachment' of CEC.

(via PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: The BJP cited Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi's reported defence of the SIR in his state and said that even Congress leaders recognise the need for a clean voter roll, exposing Rahul Gandhi's "anti-democratic politics".

In a post on X, the BJP said, "Congress leaders are increasingly contradicting Rahul Gandhi's anti-SIR stand. Karnataka Cabinet Minister Satish Jarkiholi defended Karnataka's SIR process, justifying deletions of nearly one crore names, citing duplicate, deceased and relocated voters.

"The message is clear: even Congress leaders recognise the need for a clean voter roll, exposing Rahul Gandhi's anti-democratic politics."

"Congress is planning a big protest rally in Delhi on November 1st, claiming the voter list revision is rigged. Meanwhile, their own Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi just told reporters: 'No issue with SIR in Karnataka. Only names of people who died, moved away, or had duplicate entries were deleted," Patra said in a post on X.
(PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has refused to comment on whether CJP leaders will participate in the November 1 rally in Delhi planned by the opposition against SIR .

PTI had on Thursday erroneously reported that Kharge had replied in the negative taking note of his gesture. However, his office clarified he did not wish to comment on the question.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has extended support to the November 1 rally. The outfit, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, said it would support organisations fighting for free and fair elections and reiterated its demand for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

The rally, which will begin around 11 am, is part of the opposition bloc's campaign demanding the resignation of CEC Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll. Congress, the Left and other parties are scheduled to participate.
(PTI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Saturday demanded the cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that 13.37 crore votes had been stolen across the country in the name of the exercise.

Speaking to reporters, Singh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gyanesh Kumar of being responsible for the alleged deletion of voters' names and demanded that the CEC resign and be jailed. He also sought the cancellation of elections in West Bengal and Delhi, alleging irregularities in the electoral rolls, including the deletion of 40,000 names in former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's constituency. He further demanded fresh elections in Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka and Maharashtra wherever electoral tampering had allegedly taken place.

"The entire process of SIR should be cancelled, and Gyanesh Kumar should resign. This has been the demand of the Aam Aadmi Party from day one," Singh said.
(ANI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi on Saturday demanded the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “It has been declared across the country: this country will not allow Gyanesh Kumar to treat the Constitution as his property. This country will not allow Gyanesh Kumar to treat the Election Commission as his fiefdom. This gathering today demands his impeachment for high crimes against the Constitution”, he told news agency PTI.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Ahead of the INDIA bloc’s rally at Ramlila Maidan, Congress MP Mallu Ravi said, “We, the MPs from Telangana, have come here to review the arrangements for tomorrow’s rally. We are happy with the preparations, which are being made on a war footing. People are coming from various states across the country... Unfortunately, trains and additional coaches were not provided, which we believe is due to political discrimination... Despite this, following the call given by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, people are coming in large numbers.”

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Preparations are underway for the INDIA bloc’s mock Parliament session at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence at 10, Rajaji Marg. Furthermore, security has been tightened outside the residence.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday called upon people to join the march in Delhi before reaching Ramlila Maidan for a scheduled mega rally on November 1.

However, news agency ANI reported, citing Delhi Police sources, that no permission had been sought for a march starting from Connaught Place.

In a post on X, Gandhi announced the route and timing of the walk. "See you tomorrow, let's walk together," he said.

According to the post, the walk will begin at the Minto Road junction near Connaught Place at 12 noon on Sunday, proceed to Ajmeri Gate and end at Ramlila Maidan.

Following this, Delhi Police sources, cited in the report, said no application had been made for a march from Connaught Place. They said Members of Parliament and political leaders were free to travel in their private vehicles to the Constitution Club, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, or any other location of their choice.

They added that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restricts assembly and gatherings, is currently in force across the New Delhi area, including the vicinity of the Election Commission.

(with inputs from ANI)

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: On the INDIA alliance's protest regarding the CEC impeachment, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC told ANI, "The impeachment is never done by the public. It is done by Parliament. So, if the opposition is serious, first come to Parliament and discuss it in Parliament rather than taking to the streets and inconveniencing the public at large, and that too at the time of Diwali."

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Keralam chief minister V D Satheesan will participate in the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' protest in New Delhi on Sunday.

In a post on X, Satheesan said, "India is calling. Tomorrow, I will be at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi to stand with lakhs of citizens in defence of democracy, the Constitution, and the right to vote."

"This is not just a protest. It is a firm declaration that we will not remain silent when democracy is under threat. Chalo Dilli. November 1. Ramlila Maidan," the CM added.

Anti-SIR protest LIVE updates: Regarding the INDIA bloc rally on November 1, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said, “This will be a truly historic rally, reflecting the sentiments of the public. It will convey that the people of the country are fed up with the current government.”

"It will also send a clear message that the opposition stands completely united, and it will demand solutions to the nation's problems. The public has completely rejected this government," the leader added.