Amid widespread protests in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Opposition parties will march to the Supreme Court on Monday to raise concerns over alleged electoral irregularities.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had sought a meeting with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to discuss the issue of “vote chori”. However, the CJI reportedly declined their request, citing similar matters pending before the apex court.
The Congress has dubbed Monday’s protest ‘Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy’. Leaders of the INDIA bloc are expected to assemble at the Connaught Place–Barakhamba Road junction at 1.30 pm before proceeding towards the Supreme Court.
Ahead of the march, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that the entry and exit at six metro stations—Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road—will remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on Monday.
"The situation will be reviewed by the security agencies and necessary updates will be shared accordingly. However, interchange facility will remain available at all the concerned metro stations," it said.
Delhi Traffic Police have also issued an advisory warning of possible traffic disruptions and diversions at multiple locations.
According to the advisory, traffic diversions will be enforced from 6 am, depending on the prevailing situation. The movement of vehicles may be affected at several major intersections, flyovers and roads across New Delhi and Central Delhi.
Commuters have been advised to account for possible delays and plan their journeys accordingly as security agencies review the situation during the day.
Rahul Gandhi said civil society groups and the youth would join Opposition parties in the march to submit a memorandum to the CJI on behalf of the country.
“Yesterday, the nation's youth came out in Delhi to peacefully protest. They came with love in their hearts, not hatred or anger. They were beaten, both by cops and BJP goons. This is not the India we want,” Gandhi said in a post on X on Sunday.
“Tomorrow, we will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. Youth, all opposition parties, civil society groups, and all those who believe in democracy and stand by the Constitution of India will walk with us,” he added.
Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of having “created chaos” across the country. He also said the heavy police deployment and detentions during Saturday’s protests reflected the government’s “fear” of the youth-led agitation.
“We have sought time (with the CJI) between 4 and 5 pm. We will apprise him, as we cannot demand. We can only request him with folded hands,” Kharge said.
The Congress leaders had sought an appointment with the CJI between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday to submit a memorandum demanding an end to alleged “vote chori”, the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and a return to paper ballots.
However, according to reports, the CJI declined to meet the leaders, observing that no orders could be passed on the administrative side. He reportedly advised them to file a petition through the judicial process, which could be taken up on Tuesday.
The CJI also reportedly emphasised that the Supreme Court remains open 24x7 for citizens seeking redressal of violations of their fundamental rights.
