New Delhi, October 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A delegation of opposition INDIA bloc leaders met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday evening and pressed its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The delegation included prominent opposition leaders such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
The opposition leaders raised concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and the conduct of the electoral roll revision exercise, which has triggered a series of protests in the national capital.
The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of compromising the integrity of the electoral process and has been demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
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The Election Commission, however, has maintained that its decisions follow established statutory procedures and carry legal sanction.
Appointment Sought on October 2
The meeting followed several days of correspondence between the opposition alliance and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The INDIA bloc initially requested an appointment with the President on October 2. The President’s Secretariat subsequently sought the names of the leaders who would form part of the delegation.
The opposition submitted the names on October 5 and renewed its request for an appointment on October 7, 8 or 9.
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal had stated on Thursday that the alliance was awaiting confirmation from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The appointment was confirmed on Friday morning, with the delegation allotted an 8 pm meeting.
Opposition Steps Up Campaign Against CEC
The meeting with President Murmu followed several days of demonstrations by INDIA bloc MPs over the SIR exercise and their allegations concerning the Election Commission’s functioning.
Earlier in the week, opposition leaders attempted to march towards the Election Commission and Jantar Mantar. Several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were detained during the protests.
On Thursday, the alliance held a demonstration at Rajghat, where its leaders reiterated their demand for accountability in the electoral roll revision process.
The opposition parties have also discussed a broader programme of demonstrations and public mobilisation over what they describe as threats to electoral transparency and democratic institutions.
The meeting with the President marked another step in the alliance’s campaign seeking action over its allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The allegations concerning the electoral roll revision remain contested, and no outcome or assurance from the President regarding the opposition’s demand has been confirmed.
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