INDIA bloc postpones 'Jan Mahabhiyog' event against CEC Gyanesh Kumar by a day

The 'Jan Mahabhiyog' (people's impeachment) programme that the INDIA bloc had planned against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been put off by a day. It was to be held today, but will now take place tomorrow at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The venue remains the same, 10 Rajaji Marg.

Two different timings have been given for the programme: 3.30 pm tomorrow in one account and 2 pm tomorrow in another.

It is said that heavy rain in Delhi left the necessary arrangements outside Kharge's residence incomplete, forcing the cancellation. However, the reason has not yet been officially confirmed. A press conference will be held soon. Messages have been sent to all MPs due to attend the programme. Rahul Gandhi will make an announcement at the press conference shortly.

Representatives of about 20 Opposition parties were to take part in the programme, and 30 speakers were to address it. Meira Kumar was to preside, while Kharge was to move a resolution. Rahul Gandhi's name was being discussed for the concluding ceremony.

The background is that the INDIA Opposition bloc is preparing to intensify its agitation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the alleged 'vote chori' (vote theft). At a meeting at Kharge's residence on Thursday, Opposition parties discussed the strategy for the symbolic 'people's impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday and for the rally on November 1.

Leaders present at the meeting included Priyanka Gandhi, Gaurav Gogoi, Derek O'Brien of the Trinamool Congress, Mahua Maji of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Harendra Malik of the Samajwadi Party and John Brittas of the CPI(M). Kharge said the Opposition parties' agitation on the alleged 'vote chori' and issues related to the Election Commission would continue. He announced plans for a symbolic Parliament on Friday and a rally in Delhi on November 1.

Meanwhile, traders' bodies in Delhi have appealed to the Congress to postpone the rally. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, asking that the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally be held after Diwali, after November 10-11.

CTI president Brijesh Goyal said: "If 10 lakh people and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles come into central Delhi on November 1, the daily business of 20 historic markets, worth Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore, will come to a complete halt."