Opposition Leaders Meet President Murmu Over 'Vote Theft' Claims
INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, met President Murmu to demand CEC resignation and a return to paper ballots amid vote theft allegations.
In a high-stakes political confrontation, a high-level delegation from the INDIA bloc met with President Droupadi Murmu on the evening of October 9, 2026, to formally submit a memorandum regarding serious allegations of "vote theft" and irregularities within the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The delegation, comprising ten prominent leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, D.K. Shivakumar, Supriya Sule, and Omar Abdullah, arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at 8:00 p.m. to voice their grievances concerning the sanctity of the democratic process.
Protests and Security Crackdown in Delhi
The meeting was preceded by a dramatic scene in the capital. Opposition lawmakers attempted to march from Parliament to the President's residence to demonstrate their concerns. However, the procession was intercepted by security forces at Vijay Chowk, preventing the leaders from reaching their destination via the planned route.
The atmosphere in New Delhi was heavily fortified. To manage protests associated with the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), Delhi Police implemented stringent security measures across the New Delhi district. These measures included:
- The temporary suspension of internet services within a four-kilometer radius.
- Disruptions to select metro station and train operations.
- Increased police presence to manage the unfolding demonstrations.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury strongly condemned these restrictions, describing the security crackdown as a direct affront to democratic rights.
Demands for CEC Resignation and Paper Ballots
During the meeting, the opposition leaders presented a list of specific and urgent demands aimed at addressing what they termed "irregularities" in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The core demands included:
- The immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
- A complete discontinuation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- A return to the traditional paper ballot voting system to ensure transparency.
Mamata Banerjee took a hardline stance following the discussions, demanding that criminal proceedings be initiated against the CEC to ensure accountability for the alleged electoral discrepancies.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Prime Minister
Speaking after the meeting, Rahul Gandhi offered a revealing update on the interaction with the President. He claimed that while President Murmu did not dismiss the allegations of "vote theft," she had requested concrete evidence to substantiate the claims made by the bloc.
Gandhi did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration, leveling heavy accusations against the highest levels of government. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the "mastermind" behind the purported manipulation of votes, naming Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar as the individuals responsible for executing the plan.
"The dismissal of Gyanesh Kumar alone will not be sufficient," Gandhi asserted, maintaining that the current government must be removed from power to restore electoral integrity.
Next Move: The Supreme Court
The battle is far from over. Following a strategy session held in the Central Hall of Parliament, the opposition has finalized its next legal step. Rahul Gandhi announced that the same delegation of leaders will proceed to the Supreme Court on Monday to submit a formal memorandum to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), seeking judicial intervention in the matter.