INDIA Bloc Announces ‘Save Democracy’ Marches From October 2 Amid SIR Row

Amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the INDIA bloc has announced a joint protest programme. After a meeting of alliance leaders in Delhi on Wednesday, the bloc said district-level ‘Save Democracy’ marches would be held from October 2 to 8.

According to Anandabazar and other reports published on September 30, opposition MPs will also hold a joint march to the Election Commission's office in Delhi on October 6. The alliance has announced a larger gathering in New Delhi on November 1.

Opposition leaders have raised several allegations and concerns about the SIR process and the functioning of the Election Commission. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for greater transparency in electoral-roll revision. The meeting also discussed coordinated action on electoral rolls, the Commission's decision-making process and related election issues.

Leaders from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), NCP(SP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and other parties took part in the discussions. Some parties that did not attend in person were represented virtually or through delegates, according to reports.

The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions, including those related to SIR, have been taken under the law and established procedures. It has also disputed interpretations of reported differences within the Commission.

Source: Anandabazar.com. The dates and programme details were cross-checked with September 30 reports from Indian Express and The Economic Times.