New Delhi: Opposition MPs of the INDIA bloc gathered in central Delhi for a lunch meeting hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday as protests against the Election Commission continued for a third day.

The meeting came amid heightened political activity over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and opposition demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the electoral process, while the Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

The lunch meeting was held in Connaught Place amid heavy security, with Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed around the area. Youth Congress and National Students' Union of India workers also gathered and raised slogans ahead of the arrival of opposition leaders.

The meeting followed two days of protests in Delhi during which opposition leaders attempted to reach Jantar Mantar. On Wednesday, several INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were detained after police stopped their attempt to proceed towards the designated protest site.

Opposition plans further protests

The opposition's latest meeting was aimed at discussing its next course of action and continuing its campaign over the electoral roll revision and its demand for accountability from the Election Commission.

On Wednesday, opposition MPs travelled in buses from the lunch venue towards Jantar Mantar but were stopped by police. The ensuing standoff lasted several hours, with leaders staging a sit-in before multiple protesters were detained. Delhi Police said 91 INDIA bloc leaders and workers were detained during Wednesday's protest.

The Congress has also called for protests at the state, district and block levels, while opposition leaders have sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to raise their concerns over SIR and the demand for Kumar's removal.

Election Commission row

The confrontation centres on opposition allegations concerning the revision of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission. Opposition leaders have repeatedly demanded a meeting with the poll panel and called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

The Election Commission has disputed the opposition's allegations. The political confrontation has intensified following reports about differences within the poll panel over aspects of the electoral roll revision, while the commission has maintained that differing views are part of its deliberative process and that its digital systems operate under security protocols.

The protests have now extended beyond Parliament and the Election Commission's offices, with Jantar Mantar emerging as the main venue for the opposition's street mobilisation.

The INDIA bloc has indicated that its campaign will continue, while a separate youth-led protest has also been announced at Jantar Mantar for October 10.

The continuing demonstrations have turned the dispute over SIR and the Election Commission into a wider political confrontation, with opposition parties seeking to maintain pressure through parliamentary coordination and street protests.