INDIA Bloc Launches Month-Long Protests Demanding CEC Resignation, Electoral Reforms

Conflict19 sourcesSep 30, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 54/100

The Story

The INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc launched a month-long "Save Democracy" protest campaign, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and electoral reforms.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged on Wednesday that CEC Gyanesh Kumar has lifelong legal immunity because he helped the Narendra Modi government steal elections. Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gidugu Rudraraju and All India Congress Committee secretary Janga Goutham also demanded Kumar's resignation, citing his alleged role in weakening the electoral process. The INDIA bloc's action plan includes "Save Democracy Marches" in every district from October 2 to 8, a march by opposition MPs to the Election Commission headquarters on October 6, and five rallies across India in October-November.

A mega rally in Delhi is planned for November 1 to explain vote chori (vote theft) by the Election Commission. The bloc also plans to appeal to the Supreme Court to expedite pending cases related to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and present a detailed report to President Droupadi Murmu on the compromised electoral process.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated all parties agreed on a joint program of action and called for elections to be held via ballot papers instead of EVMs. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urged for joint protests, expressing concern that separate agitations could dilute the collective impact. Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress chief, called for extraordinary action against the BJP and urged leaders to set aside egos.

The CWC on Tuesday had demanded PM Modi's resignation and CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal, alleging match-fixing between them and Home Minister Amit Shah. An Indian Express report cited internal differences within the Election Commission regarding the SIR process.

What they agree on

The INDIA bloc announced a month-long "Save Democracy" protest campaign, including marches and rallies, to challenge the Election Commission and its chief.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protests are focused on alleged electoral malpractices, particularly concerning the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The INDIA bloc plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and present a detailed report to President Droupadi Murmu regarding the electoral process.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the INDIA bloc parties agreed on a joint program of action and called for elections to be held using ballot papers instead of EVMs.

Where they split

The Hindu and News18 provide direct quotes from Rahul Gandhi alleging CEC Gyanesh Kumar has lifelong immunity for helping the Modi government "steal elections," a specific accusation not detailed in all other reports.
The New Indian Express and The Telegraph India highlight the specific demands for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation from various parties like Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Trinamool Congress, and details about the SIR process.
India Today focuses on the internal dynamics of the INDIA bloc meeting, including Rahul Gandhi's call for unity and Mamata Banerjee's appeal to set aside egos, and their escalated attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Asian Age provides background on alleged internal differences within the Election Commission itself, detailing a reported clash between Gyanesh Kumar and the other two Election Commissioners over voter registrations in Goa.