SIR CEC Row: Security beefed up near ECI headquarters as INDIA bloc set to hold protest march against ‘vote chori’

Opposition India bloc MPs are expected to begin their planned protest march from the Parliament to the Election Commission of India headquarters in New Delhi, over the alleged vote theft and special intensive revision of electoral (SIR) reforms.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav arrived in Delhi ahead of the protest march.

Complaints and objections against the Election Commission and the way it is functioning are not being raised for the first time, he said.

Interacting with the media he added, “The Election Commission seems to believe that only those people who are members of the Bharatiya Janata Party are Indian citizens. On several occasions, it appears that the Election Commission also believes that only those who are members of the BJP are entitled to vote.”

The protest comes amid a series of nationwide campaign launched against the CEC, Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Significant security arrangements have been made around Vijay Chowk in the national capital, with the Delhi police setting up multiple layers of barricades to maintain law and order and also prevent any untoward situations. Heavy presence of Rapid Action Force personnel is also being witnessed around Akashvani and the ECI headquarters area. The leaders of the India bloc are expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu to raise concerns over the SIR exercise.

The Delhi Police has issued traffic advisory in view of the special arrangements made for the planned march.

Traffic advisory, movement is likely to be affected around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, Patel Chowk, GPO, Windsor Palace, GPO, Ashoka Road, Janpath Road and adjoining areas due to barricading and traffic diversions. Commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected areas and expect diversions, barricading and congestion.

Protest call was issued after a meeting of the nineteen opposition parties in September 13.