Delhi Tensions Rise Again..Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre

Tensions resurfaced in New Delhi after a meeting of opposition MPs, with INDIA bloc lawmakers preparing to march towards the Election Commission office once again. Security was tightened around the EC headquarters, with a large number of police personnel and security forces deployed in the area. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the Central government, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were attempting to weaken democracy through Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He also alleged that FIRs were being filed against him for raising issues against alleged irregularities, saying he considered them “medals” and claimed that 45 FIRs had been registered against him so far.

Rahul Gandhi said opposition MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had sought a meeting with the Election Commission and that around 300 MPs had gone to meet the poll panel on Tuesday, but were denied permission. He reiterated the opposition’s demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, questioning his continuation as CEC. Rahul said the opposition would continue its campaign over the issues it has raised and announced that protests would also be held at Jantar Mantar. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition MPs subsequently left for Jantar Mantar in buses, prompting authorities to deploy hundreds of police personnel and security forces in the area.