INDIA Bloc Anti-CEC Protest Live Updates: Security beefed up in central Delhi as INDIA Bloc marches to Supreme Court | Today’s news
INDIA block protest in Delhi today: Delhi Police beefed up security in central Delhi on Monday as the INDIA bloc is set to lead a protest march to the Supreme Court against alleged election irregularities. The bloc is also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and has appealed to citizens across the country to join the agitation.
Why is INDIA bloc protesting against CEC Gyanesh Kumar?
The INDIA bloc’s protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar comes two days after the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest against him. The protest led by the CJP followed an Indian Express report that exposed alleged irregularities and internal rift in the panel, with two other election commissioners raising objections regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday announced that the bloc will hit the streets again on Monday, alleging that Delhi Police and Bharatiya Janata Party workers used violence against students and women during the CJP-led protest.
Which opposition leaders are taking part in the march?
While it is not confirmed which leaders will participate in today’s protest, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are likely to be joined by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee, who was detained on October 10 during a protest led by the CJP, is expected to participate in the bloc’s march against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
What are the INDIA block requirements for SIR?
Besides demanding Kumar’s resignation, the INDIA bloc is seeking an end to “electoral chori” and a halt to the Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise that began in Bihar last year and has so far seen more than 13 million voters removed from the electoral rolls.
What’s the latest from the protest site?
Security has reportedly been beefed up, with barricades set up at several locations. Today, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., entrances and exits at some metro stations will remain closed. Additional security personnel, including members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed on Barakhamba Road near Mandi House.
Which metro stations and roads are affected today?
Metro stations that will be closed today include Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road. The diversions are expected to come into effect from 6:00 am on Monday, with traffic movement primarily regulated or restricted across New Delhi and Central Delhi depending on real-time law and order developments.
Major areas and routes expected to experience congestion include the Lutyens’ Delhi and Connaught Place areas, the Central and North-South links and the Ring Road and South Delhi sections.
Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on INDIA’s CEC block protest.
