New Delhi: The INDIA bloc has decided to intensify its campaign against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleged irregularities in the electoral process and concerns over the functioning of the poll panel. At a meeting of Opposition parties in New Delhi on Wednesday, leaders finalised a coordinated programme of protests, marches and public rallies extending into November.
The meeting, which lasted around three hours, brought together leaders of several INDIA bloc constituents. The alliance agreed to take the campaign beyond Parliament and pursue a combination of street protests, legal action and political mobilisation.
‘Save Democracy’ marches from October 2 to 8
The first major programme will be a series of district-level “Save Democracy” marches from October 2 to October 8. Opposition parties and participating civil-society groups are expected to hold demonstrations outside District Magistrates’ offices across the country.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the campaign would seek to involve young people, civil-society organisations and other groups. The Opposition has linked the mobilisation primarily to its concerns over SIR and electoral-roll changes.
At a time when the Right To Vote is under threat by the Election Commission, and blatant vote chori is happening – INDIA Bloc leaders meet to discuss a strategy and way forward to protect India’s democracy
📍New Delhi pic.twitter.com/Hve9SxC4gg
— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) September 30, 2026
Opposition MPs to march to EC on October 6
The INDIA bloc has also fixed October 6 for a march by Opposition MPs to the Election Commission in New Delhi. The MPs are expected to seek an appointment with the poll panel and submit their concerns.
The bloc has demanded, among other things, changes in the way the SIR exercise is being conducted and has called for greater transparency in electoral-roll revisions. It has also demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a demand that reflects the Opposition’s political position on the functioning of the Election Commission.
CEC Row | I.N.D.I.A Bloc Chalks Out Plan
– Save democracy march: Oct 2 to Oct 8
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– ‘Satyagraha’ from October 2
– Mega rally in Delhi on November 1@SiddharthaTalya decodes the key takeaways from the crucial meeting. pic.twitter.com/Z3HwSQk82u
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 1, 2026
Push for ballot papers instead of EVMs
One of the most significant issues discussed at the meeting was the Opposition’s demand to return to ballot-paper voting.
Kharge said there was agreement among the participating Opposition parties in favour of conducting elections through ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines. The demand represents a proposed change to India’s existing electoral system; elections currently continue to be conducted using EVMs under the prevailing legal and Election Commission framework.
The ballot-paper demand has been closely linked by the Opposition to its broader concerns about transparency and public confidence in elections. The Election Commission has, however, continued to defend the existing electoral process and the use of EVMs.
Demand for pre-SIR electoral rolls
The INDIA bloc has also demanded that electoral rolls prepared before the SIR exercise be restored for future elections. The Opposition has raised concerns about voter deletions and the procedures being followed during the revision of electoral rolls.
The alliance has said that it wants greater transparency in the addition and deletion of names and safeguards to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded.
Five major rallies planned
The campaign will not be limited to the October marches. According to reports from the meeting, the Opposition has planned five major rallies on the Election Commission and electoral-roll issue. Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bengaluru were among the cities discussed, while the fifth location was yet to be finalised.
The programme is expected to culminate in a major rally in Delhi on November 1, with the Opposition planning to highlight its allegations concerning electoral rolls and what it calls “vote chori”.
Meeting with President Murmu also planned
INDIA bloc leaders are also expected to seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October. The Opposition plans to submit a representation outlining its concerns over electoral processes and what it describes as constitutional issues.
The alliance has additionally discussed pursuing pending legal matters concerning SIR and alleged electoral irregularities. Leaders said they would seek an early hearing of relevant cases before the Supreme Court.
A wider Opposition campaign
The latest INDIA bloc meeting indicates a shift towards a more coordinated campaign centred on the Election Commission, SIR, electoral rolls and the use of EVMs. The Opposition is combining parliamentary action, court proceedings, district-level demonstrations and large public rallies.
The Election Commission’s role and the SIR exercise remain politically contested, with the Opposition raising allegations and demands while the poll body continues to operate under its statutory mandate. The coming weeks are therefore likely to see the issue move increasingly from political discussions and court proceedings to public demonstrations across the country.
Key dates
- October 2–8: District-level “Save Democracy” marches
- October 6: Opposition MPs’ march to the Election Commission
- Second week of October: Proposed meeting with President Droupadi Murmu
- October–November: Five major rallies planned
- November 1: Major public rally in Delhi
