INDIA bloc parties to hold joint protest in Delhi against SIR on Oct 7

Delhi units of the INDIA bloc parties will stage a joint protest outside the Delhi Election Commission office on October 7, opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The decision was taken at a meeting attended by representatives of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), RJD, NCP and RSP, among other constituent parties, the Delhi Congress said in a statement issued on Sunday, The New Indian Express reported.

The parties termed the SIR exercise flawed and called for its immediate withdrawal. They also demanded that the revision of electoral rolls be carried out through a transparent process that complies with constitutional provisions and protects the rights of voters.

Delhi Congress general secretary Anil Bhardwaj said the INDIA bloc would oppose any electoral revision process that could lead to the deletion of eligible voters' names or undermine their voting rights.

He stressed that electoral rolls were fundamental to a democratic system and said the alliance would not accept any procedure that could potentially deprive voters of their electoral rights.

Bhardwaj said the October 7 demonstration would focus on protecting the rights of Delhi's voters, ensuring free and fair elections and safeguarding democratic institutions.

The meeting was attended by CPI secretary Dinesh C Varshanay, CPI(M) general secretary Anurag Saxena, RJD leader Naval Kishore and representatives of the NCP and RSP, along with Congress leaders.