Introduction

The Opposition INDIA bloc on Wednesday, September 30, announced a joint action plan over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its demands concerning the Election Commission.

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said Opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on October 6. The bloc also announced “Save Democracy” rallies across districts between October 2 and October 8, along with a public meeting in Delhi on November 1.

The INDIA bloc has also demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for changes in the electoral process, including a return to ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

INDIA Bloc Announces October 6 March

The decision to march to the Election Commission was taken during a meeting of senior INDIA bloc leaders in New Delhi on September 30.

According to the information provided from the meeting, Kharge said all Opposition MPs would participate in the October 6 march. Opposition leaders are also expected to seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to raise what they describe as concerns over the Constitution and electoral processes.

The announcement comes amid an escalating political dispute over the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission.

Save Democracy Rallies From October 2 to 8

As part of the joint programme, the INDIA bloc has announced “Save Democracy” rallies across districts from October 2 to October 8.

Kharge said the Opposition would organise multiple rallies to explain its concerns regarding voting rights and constitutional rights. The bloc has also planned a major public meeting in Delhi on November 1, 2026.

The planned demonstrations are expected to focus primarily on the SIR exercise, voter-list issues and the Opposition's demand for changes in the electoral system.

Kharge Calls for Ballot Papers Instead of EVMs

A major point raised during the meeting was the demand to replace EVM-based voting with ballot papers.

Kharge said that the INDIA bloc leaders agreed on the demand for voting through ballot papers. He also backed the use of electoral rolls prepared before the SIR exercise for future elections.

The Indian Express also reported that the INDIA bloc finalised a joint action plan around the SIR controversy and that Opposition leaders reiterated their demand for a return to ballot-based voting.

Demand for Gyanesh Kumar's Removal

The Opposition has intensified its demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Kharge said during the meeting that the CEC should be removed from his position. The bloc's broader campaign is linked to its allegations concerning the SIR process and electoral-roll management.

The issue has also been raised in Parliament, with Opposition parties discussing action related to the removal of the CEC. The September 30 meeting included discussions around a proposed motion concerning Gyanesh Kumar.

Dispute Over SIR and Voter Lists

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become the central issue in the Opposition's campaign against the Election Commission.

Kharge claimed that 13.3 crore voters had been removed from voter lists and described the development as a serious concern. This is an Opposition claim and should be distinguished from verified Election Commission data and the procedural status of individual electoral-roll revisions.

The wider SIR process has generated disputes over voter deletions, eligibility verification and the procedures used for updating electoral rolls. In Delhi, for example, the ongoing SIR exercise has involved notices to voters and a process for claims and objections.

Opposition Parties Intensify Protests

The INDIA bloc's national programme comes alongside separate protests by constituent parties.

In Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha staged a demonstration outside the Lok Bhavan in Ranchi, raising concerns over the SIR process and demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The party also called for elections to be conducted using ballot papers.

In West Bengal, Left parties announced a protest rally in Kolkata on October 2, with demands including the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the SIR exercise.

The Indian Express has also reported that concerns over the Election Commission's handling of SIR have brought together parties that have historically been political rivals in West Bengal, including the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M), around broader concerns about electoral processes.

BJP's Response

The Opposition's allegations have been rejected by the BJP.

BJP leaders have accused Congress and its allies of making what they describe as baseless allegations against the Election Commission. BJP leader Smriti Irani questioned the Opposition's position on voter-list revisions and argued that electoral rolls also need to address issues involving dead and duplicate voters.

The BJP has separately defended the Election Commission and criticised Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders over their allegations concerning the electoral process.

Key Highlights

• October 6: INDIA bloc MPs plan to march to the Election Commission.
• October 2-8: “Save Democracy” rallies are planned across districts.
• November 1: A public meeting is planned in Delhi.
• CEC Gyanesh Kumar: Opposition parties are demanding his removal.
• SIR: The electoral-roll revision remains the central point of the dispute.
• Ballot papers: Kharge said INDIA bloc leaders support replacing EVM voting with ballot papers.
• President's appointment: Opposition leaders plan to seek a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.
• Legal proceedings: Kharge appealed for faster disposal of cases related to SIR and alleged electoral irregularities.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on information provided in the supplied source material, including reporting attributed to The Hindu and PTI, and has been cross-referenced with current reporting from The Indian Express. Political allegations and statements by individual parties or leaders are presented as attributed claims and should not be treated as independently established facts unless supported by authoritative evidence.

Conclusion

The INDIA bloc's September 30 meeting has resulted in a coordinated programme of protests and public outreach centred on the SIR electoral-roll exercise, the Election Commission and voting methods. The October 6 march, district-level “Save Democracy” rallies and November 1 Delhi meeting are expected to keep the electoral-roll controversy at the centre of national political debate in the coming weeks.