New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- Thousands of people gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday for the INDIA bloc's 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Led by the Congress and attended by prominent Opposition leaders, the gathering brought together political workers, student organisations and supporters from different States.

The protest saw distinctive demonstrations by National Students' Union of India (NSUI) workers under their 'Ungli Toh Uthegi' campaign. Dressed as 'UngliMaal Dacoits', they wore garlands made of symbolic severed fingers and displayed a map of India constructed using the same props. Through the demonstration, the organisation sought to draw attention to what it described as the alleged deletion of more than 13 crore

names from electoral rolls. The NSUI demanded Gyanesh Kumar's immediate resignation and an impartial investigation into the alleged deletions.

Among those addressing the gathering was All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, who questioned the Election Commission's role and spoke about the importance of democratic participation.

"Those who had become comfortable sitting in their chairs, believing that the people of India had forgotten how to fight for themselves, have been given a fitting response by this gathering," Bora said, congratulating the protesters.

Referring to the country's political heritage, she said, "Our legacy is that of Bhagat Singh, not that of those who seek forgiveness."

Emphasising the meaning of democracy, Bora said it was not limited to contesting elections and occupying seats in Parliament. "Democracy is a promise made to the people of India that everyone will have equal status," she said.

She also criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing him as the BJP's "election manager" rather than an independent constitutional authority.

The Opposition has alleged that the SIR exercise risks excluding eligible voters and benefiting the BJP, allegations denied by both the party and the Election Commission. Protesters raised slogans including "Save the vote, save the country" and "Vote thief, give up power", while waving flags and singing patriotic songs.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.