Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, that they will launch a nationwide campaign starting Friday, October 2, 2026, targeting the Election Commission of India and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The campaign strategy was finalized following a three-and-a-half-hour meeting attended by 33 leaders representing 19 political parties. The agreed-upon agitation plan includes district-level protest marches, public meetings, a collective march to the Election Commission headquarters, and a joint appeal to the Chief Justice of India requesting expedited hearings for pending legal matters concerning the SIR and alleged electoral malpractices.
The legal action strategy faces specific statutory constraints due to existing legislation that grants blanket immunity to top electoral officials. Under current law, no court may entertain or continue civil or criminal proceedings against a person who is or was a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) or Election Commissioner (EC) for any act, thing, or statement done or made while discharging official duties. Given this statutory protection surrounding the CEC, discussions within the alliance included potential legal measures directed at other officials within the Election Commission, such as Seema Khanna, Director General (IT) at the ECI, who has been instrumental in implementing the Special Intensive Revision.
Uncertainties remain regarding the judiciary’s approach to the matter. Some opposition leaders expressed apprehension regarding the Supreme Court’s stance, noting a previous observation by the Chief Justice of India who remarked during a hearing, “These are only by-elections.”
Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge affirmed that the 19 constituent parties had unanimously resolved to contest the issue together. Kharge alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were operating the Election Commission as a “puppet” and asserted that electoral victories were being achieved through vote manipulation.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also criticized the government and electoral authorities, claiming that democratic institutions were undergoing systematic attacks by the ruling party leadership and CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi stated that opposition parties would pursue accountability for individuals involved in undermining democratic processes.
Sources
The Hindu – National: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-bloc-to-launch-nationwide-campaign-against-cec-sir-from-october-2/article71529616.ece
Source: The Hindu – National
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
