New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) Prominent figures from the INDIA bloc, including the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP), and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress MP, conducted a protest march from Parliament to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters on Monday. They are opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar in light of the upcoming Assembly elections while raising serious allegations of “vote theft” from last year's Lok Sabha elections.

During this demonstration, Akhilesh Yadav was spotted leaping over a police barricade as the Delhi Police attempted to halt the progress of Opposition MPs.

Before the march commenced, Yadav stated, “This is not the first instance of accusations directed at the Election Commission. The Samajwadi Party has previously lodged complaints during the UP by-elections. Police officers in plain clothes were stationed at polling booths, ensuring maximum votes for the BJP... Votes were stolen in the Milkipur by-elections.”

He further questioned the ECI’s “inaction”, stating, “Why hasn’t the Election Commission acted against those officials implicated in vote theft? We are relieved that Congress governs Karnataka—had we been in power in UP, we would have taken measures against ECI officials. We hope the Congress addresses dishonest officials in Karnataka.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore informed IANS, “We requested a parliamentary discussion on vote theft, but it was denied. Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of Opposition, provided a detailed presentation on this issue, yet the government is obstructing discussion in the House.”

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari emphasized that the protest march aims to “protect democracy” and “demand answers to the five questions raised by Rahul Gandhi.”

“In accordance with Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, we will peacefully march to the ECI. We trust that the Election Commission will recognize its responsibilities and take action to defend democracy and uphold the Constitution,” he told IANS.

Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the ECI of collaborating with the BJP during elections, stating that the Opposition is raising its voice for the “rights of the people.”

She asserted to IANS, “The Constitution guarantees every individual the right to vote, but this right is being compromised due to the collusion between the Election Commission and the BJP. This is a regrettable situation for our nation. They ought to have given us an audience out of necessity.”

“The concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi are significant. He has provided media with substantial evidence. Previously, the Election Commission requested proof; now they are asking for an affidavit. Why is that necessary? Rahul Gandhi, as the LoP, presented evidence from the ECI’s own electoral rolls, so why the need for an affidavit?” she questioned.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather remarked that the march of 300 Opposition MPs to the ECI illustrates “the severity of the issue.”

“We have consistently raised this matter, employing various forms of protest both inside and outside Parliament, seeking discussions on SIR. Now, Rahul Gandhi has clearly and thoroughly addressed crucial points. However, the ECI, rather than responding, has adopted a perplexing stance. We are here to reaffirm that the INDIA bloc is dedicated to safeguarding democracy,” she informed IANS.

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav expressed, “A battle against these individuals is essential. The Election Commission is an adversary of democracy and the Constitution. The Lok Sabha must be entirely dissolved, and the Supreme Court should summon the ECI to hold it accountable.”

In an interview with IANS, SP MP Rajeev Kumar Rai stated that the Opposition “cannot simply remain passive spectators while democracy is being undermined, votes are being stolen, and our voices are disregarded in Parliament.”