INDIA bloc meeting to map protests, review Delhi rally

The INDIA bloc was scheduled to meet virtually on October 22 to discuss protests over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and review preparations for a November 1 rally in Delhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was to chair the meeting, according to reports citing unnamed sources. The bloc’s campaign centres on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders allege the exercise involved irregularities and the removal of eligible voters, and have demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Those claims remain allegations; the reports do not establish that voter removals or other misconduct occurred. The Election Commission has defended its procedures, saying it follows established practices. The October 22 discussion was expected to set the bloc’s immediate protest strategy and assess arrangements for the November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan. One report said Delhi Police had granted Congress permission for the rally. The meeting’s outcome was not reported in the accounts describing it as scheduled, so no decision on the protest roadmap could be confirmed. A further phase of demonstrations in early...