Leaders of the INDIA bloc on Monday, 12 October 2026, launched a protest march towards the Supreme Court in New Delhi, vowing to seek legal intervention to protect democratic and constitutional rights. The demonstration unfolded amid heavy security deployment and barricading by the Delhi Police, as opposition leaders simultaneously demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of 'vote theft' and irregularities in the electoral process.

How the March Unfolded

A bus carrying Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and other alliance leaders departed from the Constitution Club of India as the march got underway. Congress MP Manish Tewari told reporters: 'We want to submit a representation to the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Therefore, the entire Opposition is collectively going to Barakhamba Road. Let's see where it goes from here.'

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj said the bloc planned to proceed to Jantar Mantar, adding: 'We are going to Jantar Mantar to see whether the police stop us or allow us to proceed. We have the right to express our views.'

What Triggered the Protest

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit described the march as part of an ongoing campaign, tracing its roots to when Rahul Gandhi first raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at Indira Gandhi Bhawan. Dikshit alleged the SIR was 'a completely fraudulent, wrongful and deceptive process' and said the campaign had since drawn support from students, civil society organisations, and multiple political parties.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said his party had been fighting against the SIR process and had already launched a campaign in Bihar. He alleged that the Election Commission of India had become 'a complete puppet' of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused it of facilitating fraudulent elections. 'Democracy is being crushed. When democracy is continuously under attack and being undermined, how can we remain silent?' Yadav said.

Key Demands and Allegations

AAP MP Sanjay Singh was blunt in his demand: 'Vote theft; Gyanesh Kumar must resign.' Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the BJP was increasingly apprehensive about losing power, saying: 'The BJP is scared. They know that power will not remain with them for much longer.' The opposition collectively framed the CEC's continuation in office as incompatible with free and fair elections, though the Election Commission has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Context and What Comes Next

The march marks a significant escalation in the opposition's challenge to the electoral process. The SIR of voter rolls has been a flashpoint, with critics arguing it disproportionately affects marginalised communities. Notably, this is among the most coordinated street actions the INDIA bloc has taken in recent months, bringing together Congress, AAP, RJD, and other constituents under a single demand. Whether the Supreme Court agrees to hear any representation filed by the bloc remains to be seen, and the legal route could shape the opposition's strategy heading into coming electoral cycles.