Kharge alleged that the PM Modi government was using the issue of outsiders and infiltrators to hide its failures, while the Opposition was only seeking to protect the voting rights of genuine and eligible voters.

“The ECI announced the SIR overnight. It was implemented across the entire country, effectively to delete the votes of those opposed to the BJP… The Modi government is using the pretext of outsiders and infiltrators to conceal its own failures. They allege that we are attempting to include infiltrators. That is not the case; we are simply advocating for the retention of genuine, legitimate voters. We are doing this to safeguard their rights,” Kharge said.

He further accused the government of using various means to retain power since 2014, alleging that political parties had been broken up, elected governments toppled and central investigative agencies misused.

“Since 2014, every possible conspiracy has been hatched to seize and retain power. They have stolen MPs, broken up political parties, toppled governments, and used electoral bonds, the ED, and the CBI, and now they are stealing votes. We have hundreds of examples of such vote theft,” he said.

Kharge also questioned the provisions of the 2023 Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, alleging that it had given Election Commissioners excessive protection. He claimed the legislation was passed in December 2023 after 145 Opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament.

“This bill was passed in December 2023 after suspending 145 opposition MPs. It is shameful and a disgrace. This law grants the Election Commissioners a lifelong protective shield, a level of protection not even afforded to the President or the Chief Justice of India,” he said.

Accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of acting under the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kharge said the Opposition’s move was aimed at protecting the credibility of the Election Commission rather than targeting the individual office-holder.

“Seven months ago, 193 opposition MPs moved a motion in both Houses of Parliament to remove the CEC. However, our notices were rejected, and no cognisance was taken of them. Therefore, the motion we have brought forward today is aimed at safeguarding the dignity of a constitutional institution. We hold no personal grudge against the CEC,” he said.

Kharge added that the Opposition wanted the Election Commission to function impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, so that public confidence in the electoral process remained intact.

“We must ensure that the voting rights of vulnerable sections, women, and the youth are not surreptitiously deleted from a computer by someone sitting in Delhi,” he said.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Congress leader Meira Kumar, who presided over the programme, said the INDIA bloc had decided to convene a meeting to move an impeachment motion seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s removal. She said Kharge, as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, would move the motion and subsequently make a statement.

Highlighting the importance of voting rights, Meira Kumar said India’s democratic system was built around the voter and that denying even one person the right to vote weakened democracy.

“Ours is the largest democracy in the world. Nations across the globe, in Asia, Africa, and South America, look up to us and follow our model of democracy. Our democracy is driven by the power of elections, and at the heart of this electoral power lies the soul of the voter,” she said.

“If even a single voter is denied the right to cast their vote, it strikes a blow to the very soul of our democracy. Preventing someone from voting inflicts harm upon our democracy,” she added.

Kharge also pointed out that India had granted voting rights to all citizens, including women, Dalits, marginalised communities and the poor, from the time its Constitution came into force. He contrasted this with several Western democracies, where women were not granted voting rights immediately after the establishment of democratic systems.

He also alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had opposed universal voting rights at the time.

Rahul Gandhi Announces November 1 March

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi announced that Opposition parties would take out a ‘Chalo Dilli’ march on November 1, from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction to Ramlila Maidan.

In a post on X, Gandhi invited people to join the march, writing: “See you tomorrow, let’s walk together! Connaught Place Minto Road Junction-Ajmeri Gate-Ramlila Maidan. 1 November, 12 p.m.”

The march is scheduled to culminate at Ramlila Maidan, where the INDIA bloc will hold a rally against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and is demanding the CEC’s resignation.

However, Delhi Police sources said no permission had been sought for a march from Connaught Place. They said MPs and political leaders could travel in their private vehicles to the Constitution Club, Kharge’s residence or any other location of their choice.

Police sources also pointed out that Jantar Mantar had already been de-notified as a protest site. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are also in force across the New Delhi area, including near the Election Commission’s office.

Security Tightened, Traffic Restrictions Announced

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements are being made at Ramlila Maidan for Sunday’s rally. Delhi Police personnel from the Central District and several other districts, along with paramilitary forces, will be deployed to maintain law and order.

The Congress is making extensive preparations for the event, which the INDIA bloc is projecting as a major show of Opposition strength. The rally is intended to highlight allegations of electoral manipulation through the SIR exercise and increase pressure on the Election Commission.

In view of the rally, traffic restrictions will remain in force across several parts of Delhi from 10 am to 5 pm on November 1, the Delhi Police said.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, diversions may be introduced at key intersections in central Delhi depending on traffic conditions. These include Netaji Subhash Marg T-point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-point, Ajmeri Gate red light, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Jhandewalan roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.

(With agencies’ inputs)