New Delhi, September 30: Leaders of the INDIA bloc on Wednesday raised concerns over alleged electoral irregularities and the accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI) during a coordination meeting in New Delhi.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged that electoral irregularities were taking place across the country, with West Bengal being particularly affected. He said recent remarks by Election Commissioners had added weight to concerns that had previously been raised mainly by political parties.
“The remaining two Election Commissioners have stated it, so there must be some truth in their words. Earlier, only political parties used to say it; today, the Election Commissioners are saying it. Irregularities are happening everywhere, more so in Bengal,” Banerjee told reporters.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also raised the issue of accountability within the Election Commission. “Who offers resignation here? But they will have to resign,” he said.
NCP-SP leader PC Chacko, meanwhile, said there was broad agreement among the participating parties on the issues discussed at the meeting.
“There was total unanimity in the meeting and this is the reason we came out with six points,” Chacko told reporters. He added that the issue of the DMK was not discussed during the meeting.
Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a series of joint protests following the INDIA bloc coordination meeting, alleging threats to democratic institutions and raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Kharge said the discussions lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours, with leaders from various parties putting forward their views. He said the participating parties had agreed to continue their efforts in a coordinated manner.
“Discussions continued for around three-and-a-half hours. Many leaders expressed their views. Uddhav Thackeray ji and Hemant Soren ji also shared their views. Everyone has decided to fight together in a united manner,” Kharge said.
Kharge alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and accused the Election Commission of being influenced by the government. He also alleged that elections were being won through unfair means and that the functioning of opposition parties was being disrupted.
As part of the protest programme, Kharge announced that INDIA bloc leaders would organise a “Save Democracy March” at the district level from October 2 to October 8.
He further said opposition MPs would march to the Election Commission on October 6. Opposition leaders are also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise their concerns over what they described as institutional issues.
The allegations made by opposition leaders form part of their broader campaign seeking greater accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
