New Delhi: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday, October 12, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, escalating the opposition’s campaign over alleged electoral irregularities.
Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, Gandhi said the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to the Supreme Court would draw attention to its concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission. He alleged that the government was shielding the CEC instead of addressing questions raised by opposition parties.
Gandhi said the agitation against alleged “vote chori,” or vote theft, had attracted wider public participation in Delhi over the previous four to five days. He described it as part of a longer period of political resistance that was developing into a broader movement.
INDIA Bloc Plans Supreme Court Petition
Gandhi said he and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to the Chief Justice of India to express concerns about democratic accountability and electoral fairness. According to Gandhi, the Chief Justice responded by asking them to file a petition.
He announced that INDIA bloc leaders would approach the Supreme Court together to present their concerns through the legal process. The planned action accompanied the “Chalo Dilli” March for Democracy, which called for a procession from Connaught Place towards the Supreme Court.
The opposition’s allegations centre on the Election Commission’s conduct and the transparency of electoral processes. Whether those claims establish any wrongdoing would depend on supporting evidence and examination by the appropriate authorities.
Delhi Security Restrictions Draw Criticism
Questioning the extensive security arrangements in the capital, Gandhi asked why Delhi had been placed under such tight restrictions. He alleged that people travelling to join the agitation were being prevented from reaching the city, including passengers using trains and buses.
He also claimed that approximately 20,000 to 30,000 security personnel had been deployed, describing the capital as a fortress. These figures and allegations were attributed to Gandhi and were not independently established in the information provided.
Security was heightened across Central Delhi, with barricades at several locations and personnel stationed around Barakhamba Road and Mandi House. Delhi Police were deployed alongside the Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force.
Entry and exit restrictions at certain Delhi Metro stations were scheduled to remain in place until 4 PM on October 12 for security reasons. The affected stations were not specified in the information provided.
CEC Allegations Drive Opposition Campaign
Gandhi accused Gyanesh Kumar and other Election Commission officials of facilitating alleged electoral misconduct. He also claimed that the opposition’s campaign had support among the public and some members of the security forces.
His assertion that half of police personnel supported the agitation was not accompanied by independently verifiable evidence. Claims of vote theft and institutional wrongdoing likewise remain allegations rather than established findings.
The confrontation has intensified political debate over electoral transparency, institutional accountability and access to public protest in the national capital. Responses from the Prime Minister’s Office, Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission to Gandhi’s latest accusations were not included in the information provided.
