INDIA bloc MPs likely to march to Election Commission, demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation

The INDIA bloc is likely to take to the streets of Delhi once again today, October 7. The alliance is said to be planning a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Delhi politics is expected to remain heated today as well.

According to the information available, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had hosted a dinner for INDIA bloc leaders at Janpath in Delhi. Those present included Congress general secretary (organisation) Venugopal, TMC MP Derek O'Brien, RJD's Manoj Jha, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, JMM's Vijay and MPs of several other opposition parties. After the dinner, the alliance is reportedly preparing to march again against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

After the dinner ended, three buses arrived outside the restaurant and opposition MPs are boarding them one by one. It is believed that INDIA bloc MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, may leave by bus for the Election Commission. The protest is being held to demand that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign.

On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and MPs of the alliance had marched from the Parliament House complex towards the Election Commission's office. Police stopped them near Akashvani Bhawan. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra then staged a sit-in for nine hours on the Akashvani Bhawan premises. Late that night, at around 8 pm, police detained them and later released them. The alliance is now preparing to march once again.

In view of the INDIA bloc meeting and yesterday's tension, Delhi Police have tightened security further. Traffic arrangements around the Election Commission and Akashvani areas have been changed this afternoon because of today's protest.

Delhi Traffic Police have issued two advisories for the Kashmiri Gate area. In one posted on their X account, the traffic police said that a planned protest outside the office of Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) could disrupt traffic in the Kashmiri Gate area between 12:00 and 3:30 pm on Wednesday. The protest will be held in front of the CEO's office, located in the old St Stephen's College building at Kashmiri Gate. Traffic in Kashmiri Gate and surrounding areas will be affected.