Congress Mobilizes for Delhi Protest Amid Institutional Standoff

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar framed the mobilization as a struggle for the survival of the electorate, asserting that the right to vote remains synonymous with the right to live. He argued that the opposition’s outreach to the judiciary was a move of last resort after other institutional channels failed to address their concerns. While Congress leaders questioned why the Chief Justice declined to meet with a constitutional officeholder, the Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the move as a desperate attempt to politicize the judiciary.

BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan accused Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating a conspiracy to weaken national unity following a series of electoral setbacks. Despite the judicial refusal, the opposition’s march is set to proceed from Connaught Place toward the Supreme Court. Security measures in the capital are extensive, with Rapid Action Force and CRPF units deployed alongside Delhi Police. Authorities have shuttered entry and exit points at key metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk and Mandi House, until 4:00 PM to manage the unrest.