AAP to Join Opposition Protest Over 'Vote Theft' in Delhi
AAP to join Congress and Left parties in a major protest against alleged vote theft outside the Delhi CEO office on October 7.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has officially announced its participation in a major protest against alleged "vote theft" in the national capital. Scheduled for October 7, the demonstration will see AAP join forces with the Congress, Left parties, and other Delhi-based political outfits to voice their grievances outside the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
Bhardwaj Calls for Mass Mobilization
AAP President Saurabh Bhardwaj confirmed the party's involvement, urging supporters and party workers to turn out in significant numbers. The move follows a prior commitment by the AAP to join all street protests organized by the opposition regarding the issue of "Vote Chori."
"On Wednesday, we will hold a protest outside the Delhi CEO’s office against ‘vote theft.’ We have called upon AAP workers, supporters, and members of the party to participate in large numbers," Bhardwaj stated, reinforcing the party's stance on the matter.
Escalating Tensions and Previous Detentions
The announcement comes amidst a period of intense political friction between the opposition and the Election Commission. Earlier in the day, leaders from the INDIA bloc attempted to march toward the Election Commission headquarters at Nirvachan Sadan, but were blocked by police barricades.
This blockade led to a sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhavan, located just 100 metres from the poll panel's office. During this earlier demonstration, several high-profile leaders were detained by the Delhi Police, including:
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP
- KC Venugopal, Congress General Secretary
- Pawan Khera, Congress MP
- Amrinder Singh Raja Warring
- Several leaders from the Youth Congress and NSUI, including IYC President Uday Bhanu Chib
The "Save Democracy" Campaign
The upcoming protest is a component of the broader "Save Democracy" campaign launched by the opposition. This campaign focuses on demonstrations and public programs aimed at challenging the Election Commission of India. The current unrest is primarily driven by controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which the opposition claims undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
As the political temperature rises in Delhi, the scheduled protest on October 7 is expected to be a significant flashpoint in the ongoing confrontation between the opposition and the electoral authorities.