INDIA bloc leaders have decided to wait for the Supreme Court's response to their petition before announcing a major protest in Delhi against Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources have told Times Now. With the festive season approaching, including Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali, opposition leaders are weighing the timing of a large-scale mobilisation, even as student and youth-led protests are expected to continue in the meantime. During discussions on Tuesday, Left and Congress leaders floated the idea of organising a "Mock Parliament" at Ramlila Maidan, featuring a mock impeachment of the CEC. The proposal could offer the opposition a fresh way to intensify its campaign against the Election Commission. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly stressed that the dominant party in each state should take the lead in organising protests, while all junior allies must share equal responsibility in the broader campaign. He also urged INDIA bloc leaders to remain prepared to travel to Delhi at just 24 hours' notice, underlining the need for a swift and coordinated response.
Rahul Gandhi urges leaders to remain on standby
Sources indicated that large-scale protests in the national capital could face a temporary pause as the opposition waits for the Supreme Court's response and factors in the festive calendar. However, the pause is not being seen as a halt to the agitation, with Rahul Gandhi stressing that political developments could unfold at any time and the bloc must be ready to act collectively and rapidly.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital after a high-tea meeting with INDIA bloc leaders, opposition MPs and student organisations at his residence, Gandhi reiterated that the opposition's movement would continue until it achieved its stated objective of restoring the democratic process.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, rejected the opposition's allegations, accused the Congress of attempting to shield infiltrators under the guise of opposing the SIR exercise, and cited the NDA's performance in recent local body elections as evidence of public support.
