Rain Stops Play: INDIA Bloc Postpones Public Impeachment Programme
The INDIA bloc has deferred its public impeachment programme against CEC Gyanesh Kumar due to heavy rain in Delhi. Read more on the new schedule.
The INDIA bloc has been forced to push back its highly anticipated public impeachment programme against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Originally slated for Friday afternoon, the event was postponed to Saturday following relentless rainfall in the national capital, which threatened to dampen the turnout and disrupt the proceedings.
Weather Disrupts Opposition Plans
The decision to reschedule was a collective one, aimed at ensuring that the event maintains its scale and accessibility. The programme was initially scheduled to take place at 3:30 pm on Friday at 10, Rajaji Marg, the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar emphasized that the organizers are keen on making this a "huge event." He noted that the continuous rain and the effects of climate change made it impractical for senior leaders and elders to attend. "Tomorrow, at the same time and venue, this will take place," Kumar stated, confirming that all preparations remain in place despite the delay.
Echoing this sentiment, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant pointed out the logistical nightmare of hosting an event in an open space during such weather. He mentioned that the prevailing conditions made it nearly impossible to proceed as planned, leaving the bloc with no choice but to defer the gathering by a day in hopes of clearer skies.
Concerns for Senior Leadership
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also confirmed the postponement, explaining that the move was decided by consensus. The primary concern was the physical discomfort that senior members of the alliance would face while sitting in the rain. Gandhi assured that the programme would proceed tomorrow at the same scheduled time.
Allegations of Government Interference
While the rain was the immediate cause for the delay, the opposition is also alleging a broader pattern of harassment by the central government. Congress MP Manickam Tagore, while confirming the new time of 2 PM for Saturday, claimed that the government is actively creating "roadblocks" for the opposition's upcoming activities, including a planned rally in November.
Tagore highlighted several instances of alleged interference in various states:
- Tamil Nadu: Claims that railway bookings were initially allowed and then abruptly cancelled.
- Telangana: Similar reports of difficulties in organizing logistics and bookings.
Despite these challenges and the weather-induced delay, Tagore remained confident, asserting that there will still be a massive turnout of people for the public impeachment programme against the CEC.