Rahul Gandhi Hosts Tea for INDIA Bloc Leaders Amidst Vote Theft Protests
Tea Invitation from Rahul Gandhi
In New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has extended an invitation to MPs from the INDIA bloc, along with members of civil society and student organizations, to join him for tea at his residence on Tuesday, according to sources.
Prior to the tea gathering, a joint press conference featuring leaders from the INDIA bloc is scheduled to take place at Gandhi's residence located at 5, Sunehri Bagh Road.
The invitation, sent out on Monday, stated, "In light of today's March for Democracy and the submission of our petition, a joint press conference will occur tomorrow afternoon, followed by tea. I welcome you to my home at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13th."
During this meeting, discussions are anticipated regarding strategies for coordinated protests against allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft) and calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
This invitation follows significant protests regarding the vote theft allegations, which have escalated to the Supreme Court level. Opposition leaders, alongside activists and civil society representatives, participated in a "March for Democracy" along a heavily barricaded route, filing a joint petition against the SIR and alleged electoral irregularities, showcasing their strength in the capital.
A large crowd, brandishing flags and posters, gathered in Connaught Place, central Delhi, with prominent figures such as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, D Raja, M A Baby, Tejashwi Yadav, and Supriya Sule joining the march.
While protesters managed to breach one barricade on Bhagwan Dass Road, they were ultimately stopped at a second barricade. Subsequently, key leaders from the INDIA bloc proceeded to the Supreme Court to file their petition.
The petition names the Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and other Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi as parties involved in the case.
This development follows the Chief Justice of India denying a request for a meeting with the Leaders of Opposition, citing that the matter is currently sub judice.