Rahul Gandhi, INDIA Bloc MPs Leave Rajghat; ‘Hallabol’ Protest Planned for Friday

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs left Rajghat on Thursday after staging a protest against the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi.

The opposition's demonstration entered its third consecutive day, with MPs gathering at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial amid heightened security in central Delhi. The leaders later dispersed from Rajghat, with preparations now underway for another major protest on Friday.

The INDIA bloc has been demanding action over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and has stepped up its protests against the Election Commission following the detention of opposition leaders during earlier demonstrations.

‘Hallabol’ Planned for Friday

The Opposition is expected to launch another march on Friday as part of its continuing campaign. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Delhi, is likely to join the protest along with senior INDIA bloc leaders.

The final route, venue and detailed programme for Friday's demonstration had not been officially announced by Thursday evening. However, the participation of more senior opposition leaders could make the next protest a larger show of Opposition unity.

Rahul Gandhi Steps Up Attack

Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused the government and the Election Commission of undermining democratic processes, while the Opposition has called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over its allegations concerning voter rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the Opposition's allegations. The protests have now stretched across three days, with earlier demonstrations at the Election Commission and Jantar Mantar leading to clashes, detentions and heightened political tensions in Delhi.