Opposition MPs hold peaceful protest at Raj Ghat, demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation

New Delhi: Opposition MPs and INDIA bloc leaders are holding a peaceful protest at Raj Ghat in Delhi on Thursday, stepping up their campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleging irregularities in the electoral process.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other INDIA bloc leaders are at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial after paying tribute to Gandhi.

The opposition leaders are demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and say their protest will continue until he steps down.

CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan said the MPs had paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and would continue their agitation. CPI(M) leader John Brittas also said the protest would continue on Friday until the Chief Election Commissioner resigns.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleged that the police had not cooperated with the protesters and said the opposition would continue its campaign.

Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote theft'

Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and CEC Gyanesh Kumar of working together in what he described as a "criminal conspiracy" to "steal votes".

Addressing opposition leaders before the Raj Ghat protest, Gandhi alleged that the Constitution had been damaged and said those responsible would eventually be held accountable.

The protest comes as the INDIA bloc continues its agitation over allegations of "vote chori" and what opposition leaders describe as the misuse of the Election Commission.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the opposition's demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation reflected what he described as the voice of the country. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to the concerns being raised by the opposition.

Third day of opposition protests

Thursday's Raj Ghat gathering marks the third consecutive day of protests by opposition MPs and leaders.

The latest protest follows demonstrations earlier in the week, including Rahul Gandhi's sit-in at the Akashvani Bhawan complex on Tuesday. On Wednesday, opposition leaders protested near the Shangri-La hotel after they were stopped by police while attempting to proceed towards Jantar Mantar.

The INDIA bloc had earlier said that around 300 MPs wanted to hold a peaceful sit-in as part of their campaign.

At Raj Ghat, the opposition leaders are now continuing that protest while calling for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

With agency inputs