Understand
India opposition bloc leaders march to Supreme Court amid protests and heavy security
Overview
Indian opposition leaders, led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, are marching to the Supreme Court in Delhi to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter fraud that they claim benefits Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP. The demonstrations have faced heavy security deployments, transport disruptions, and the mass detention of thousands of protesters and several journalists over the weekend.
Key points
- Opposition parties in India are marching to the Supreme Court to demand the resignation of Election Chief Gyanesh Kumar.
- Protesters allege that voter rolls are being manipulated under Kumar to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, a charge rejected by both the Election Commission and the BJP.
- Chief Justice Surya Kant declined a meeting with the opposition lawmakers, noting that some of their issues are currently pending before the court.
- Authorities in Delhi deployed heavy security forces, barricaded roads, and implemented restrictions on traffic and metro stations.
- Thousands of demonstrators, including pressure group leaders and at least 16 journalists, were detained over the weekend.
- Reporters Without Borders condemned the detention of journalists, and opposition leaders criticized the use of police force against peaceful protesters.