Opposition leaders escalate campaign against Election Commission

Opposition MPs marched to the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday, resulting in the detention of senior figures including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The demonstration marks a significant escalation in the INDIA bloc’s ongoing campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Editorial·October 7, 2026·reads: 1,366

Opposition leaders escalate campaign against Election Commission

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray characterized the current administration as arrogant, framing the nationwide protests as an essential fight against injustice. Thackeray alleged the BJP-led government in Maharashtra survives only through the influence of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, labeling the current state leadership as illegal.

Congress MP Pawan Khera issued a sharp warning to the poll official, stating that the refusal to engage with the opposition would lead to regret. The protest, part of the broader Save Democracy campaign, centers on grievances regarding the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Following their removal from Akashvani Bhavan, where they had staged a sit-in, opposition members emphasized that police detentions would not deter their movement. Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav confirmed that the agitation will persist until the Election Commission addresses their demands for accountability.