Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has invited opposition MPs for high tea at his residence on Tuesday, October 13, amid the ongoing opposition agitation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The meeting comes a day after leaders and supporters of the INDIA bloc, led by Gandhi, marched through Barakhamba Road towards the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi on Monday. The protest focused on concerns surrounding the Election Commission’s handling of the electoral roll revision exercise.
The march culminated in 11 opposition leaders filing a petition in the Supreme Court challenging aspects of the SIR process. The petition seeks judicial intervention and a review of the decisions and procedures followed by the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi Thanks Opposition Allies and Protesters
Following Monday’s march, Gandhi expressed gratitude to citizens, Congress workers and opposition allies who participated in the demonstration or supported it.
In a post on X, the Congress leader described the protest as an important stand against what he characterised as government intimidation. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of resorting to bullying, while asserting that opposition parties would continue to challenge what they consider unfair practices.
Gandhi also criticised the absence of RSS supporters during the march, referring to allegations of violence against protesters at earlier demonstrations. These remarks reflected his response to the political confrontation surrounding the SIR exercise.
Opposition Petition Seeks Suspension of SIR Exercise
The petition filed by 11 opposition leaders invokes Article 32 of the Constitution and seeks suspension of the ongoing SIR exercise across the country until the issues raised are adjudicated.
The petitioners have also sought the formation of an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. The proposed committee would examine the implementation of the electoral roll revision process and review the technical systems governing electoral rolls and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Among the concerns raised is an allegation that the Chief Election Commissioner exercised the Election Commission’s collective powers without the knowledge or concurrence of the other Election Commissioners.
The petition also seeks the production of records related to the decision to undertake the nationwide SIR exercise, including files, meeting minutes, official notings and objections recorded by the commissioners.
These are allegations and requests made by the petitioners. The court’s consideration will determine how the issues are addressed under the law.
Supreme Court Proceedings Form Background to Legal Challenge
The petition follows written communication dated October 11 from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, responding to a representation made by Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on October 10.
According to the petition, the Chief Justice indicated that matters raising similar issues were scheduled for hearing on October 13. He also assured that any petition filed would be considered at the earliest possible opportunity in accordance with the law.
The petitioners have requested that their plea be considered alongside related proceedings already pending before the Supreme Court.
High Tea Meeting Comes Amid Opposition Coordination Efforts
Rahul Gandhi’s invitation to opposition MPs comes amid efforts by INDIA bloc leaders to coordinate their response to the SIR exercise and pursue their concerns through both public demonstrations and legal proceedings.
The October 13 meeting is expected to bring opposition MPs together following Monday’s march and the filing of the Supreme Court petition. The supplied information does not specify the full agenda of the high tea meeting.
The developments underline the continuing political dispute over electoral roll revision, with opposition parties raising questions about the Election Commission’s decision-making and implementation process. The legal challenge will now proceed through the Supreme Court, where the petitioners are seeking consideration of their concerns.
