Gandhi Invites Opposition MPs to Tea After SIR Protest

Rahul Gandhi invited opposition MPs to a high tea at his residence on October 13, a day after he and INDIA bloc leaders marched toward the Supreme Court to protest alleged irregularities in the nationwide revision of electoral rolls. The invitation followed the October 12 demonstration, which ended with 11 opposition leaders filing a petition at the Supreme Court. The petition asks the court to suspend the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls nationwide until the issues raised are adjudicated. It also seeks review of the exercise by an independent committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge. The petitioners challenge the Election Commission’s decision-making process, alleging that the Chief Election Commissioner exercised the commission’s collective powers without the knowledge or concurrence of the other commissioners. They have also asked for records relating to the decision to begin the nationwide revision. These are claims made by the petitioners; the reporting does not establish whether irregularities occurred. Gandhi’s October 13 invitation was for opposition MPs from both houses of Parliament. The meeting was set for 4 p.m.