What’s Next for the INDIA Bloc? Opposition Plans Major Rallies Amid Election Controversy

The INDIA bloc has come together to address concerns over election integrity, finalizing a joint action plan that includes rallies and 'save democracy marches'. Key leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, emphasized the need for elections to be conducted via ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines. With plans for significant demonstrations and a march to the Election Commission, the opposition aims to raise awareness about what they term the 'vote theft government'. This article delves into the details of their strategy and the leaders' strong statements against the current administration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 15:43 IST

Opposition Unites Over Election Integrity

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the INDIA bloc reached a consensus on a collaborative strategy regarding the SIR issue, which includes organizing rallies and 'save democracy marches'. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that all parties concurred on the necessity of conducting elections via ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines (EVMs).

This declaration followed a three-and-a-half-hour meeting attended by key leaders such as Kharge, former Congress heads Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, and NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule.

During a joint press conference post-meeting, Kharge announced the formation of a unified action plan.

The plan includes 'save democracy' marches scheduled from October 2-8, engaging youth and NGOs, with demonstrations planned outside district magistrate offices.

On October 6, all opposition MPs are set to march to the Election Commission.

The opposition leaders also intend to request an appointment with the President of India to present their grievances against what they term the 'vote theft government' in the second week of October.

Kharge mentioned that they will organize five significant rallies, with dates and locations to be determined, to inform the public about how the government is undermining their electoral rights.

He remarked, 'People are beginning to recognize the truth in what Rahul ji has been saying. First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented 'notebandi', and now he is executing 'votebandi', stripping citizens of their rights.'

The INDIA bloc leaders have urged the Supreme Court to expedite cases related to SIR and electoral misconduct, according to Kharge.

When questioned about reverting to ballot voting, Kharge confirmed unanimous agreement among the leaders that all elections should utilize ballots, and that the laws enacted by the current 'theft government' should be repealed.

Some leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, participated in the meeting virtually.

Kharge stated, 'With a shared commitment, everyone pledged to unite in this fight.'

He accused Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of being the true 'puppeteers' behind the Election Commission, claiming that they manipulate the system to secure electoral victories while harassing those who advocate for democracy.

Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments, asserting that the democratic framework of India has been compromised by Modi, Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

'We will not remain passive; we will ensure that those responsible for the destruction of Indian democracy face consequences,' he declared.

Gandhi noted that the opposition has effectively communicated to the public that the PM and HM have undermined democracy and manipulated elections.

'I reminded all opposition leaders that they are the collective guardians of the Constitution, and in the coming months, we will implement significant changes in the country,' he added.

Banerjee characterized the situation as a 'scandalous matter', demanding the immediate resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, whom she labeled a 'thief' and 'bandit'.

'Our strong demand is that if Gyanesh Kumar is not dismissed, this agitation will spread from 'earth to sky',' she warned.

The meeting included representatives from Congress, Samajwadi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, NCP(SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), Rashtriya Janata Dal, CPI(M), CPI, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, CPI-ML, IUML, Kerala Congress (M), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kerala Congress (Jacob), and All India Forward Bloc. Independent Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also participated.

This gathering follows reports indicating that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections on record at least 14 times over the past ten months regarding decisions related to the SIR process, which they claimed were made without their consent.

In response to the scrutiny faced by the Election Commission regarding the SIR process, the EC has maintained that differing opinions are a standard aspect of institutional discussions and that all its directives are legally valid and adhere to established statutory protocols.