INDIA bloc’s ‘public impeachment’ of CEC likely to avoid mocking Parliament

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Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc’s planned “public impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral manipulation through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will avoid imagery that could be seen as mocking Parliament as an institution.

Sources told The Hindu that there are unlikely to be any posters of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the CEC. The programme is also likely to avoid any symbolic representation of the treasury benches.

However, there is no official word on how the event, intended as a curtain-raiser for the Sunday (November 1, 2026) rally, will unfold on Friday (October 30, 2026) afternoon at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s official residence at 10, Rajaji Marg.

Sources said former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is likely to preside over the proceedings, while Mr. Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, is likely to move the motion against the CEC.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is likely to be the last speaker, the sources added.

Representatives of civil society, leaders of student organisations and people whose names have been left out of the electoral rolls are expected to attend the event. One leader from each political party is likely to speak on the issue.

On Thursday (October 29, 2026), Mr. Gandhi released a video appeal urging people to join the INDIA bloc’s Chalo Dilli march at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday (November 1, 2026).

“Don’t worry about the police, don’t worry about lathis - the BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics. Come march with us - we will walk together to protect the Constitution, to protect the Indian nation,” Mr. Gandhi said in the video posted on his X handle.

“I urge all student groups, regardless of your political affiliation - if you feel that India is under attack, if you feel you are under attack, your expression, your ideas, your way of thinking is under attack, come, and join us,” the Leader of the Opposition added.

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