New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan has scheduled an 8 pm meeting with leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Friday after the alliance sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to raise concerns over the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The development comes amid intensifying protests by Opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. 

The meeting follows multiple requests submitted by the Opposition alliance to the President's office. Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said on Thursday that the first letter seeking an appointment was sent on October 2.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan office subsequently sought the names of the leaders who would attend the meeting.

According to Venugopal, the alliance resubmitted its request on October 5, provided the names of the proposed attendees, and sought an appointment on October 7, 8 or 9.

The development marks a significant step in the Opposition's efforts to raise its concerns directly with the President.

The INDIA bloc has been protesting the Election Commission's functioning and the SIR exercise, which has become a major point of contention between the Opposition and the poll panel.

The alliance has also demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

The Opposition's decision to approach President Murmu follows reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections during internal deliberations, primarily over decisions linked to the revision of electoral rolls.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained that differing views are part of institutional deliberations and that its orders comply with established legal and statutory procedures. 

The alliance has also stepped up its political mobilisation, with leaders and MPs participating in demonstrations in the national capital.

On Thursday, Opposition leaders continued their protest at Rajghat, pressing their demands over the Election Commission and alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

The meeting with President Murmu is expected to provide the Opposition delegation an opportunity to formally present its concerns and seek her intervention.

The meeting's outcome and the response to the Opposition's demands are likely to remain in focus as the political confrontation over the SIR exercise continues.

The INDIA bloc's next course of action will be closely watched as its leaders continue to press for accountability and transparency in the electoral process.