UPDATED: Oct 13, 2026 18:46 IST
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav addressed the media alongside leaders of the INDIA bloc to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the central government. Accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of hijacking constitutional institutions such as the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Income Tax Department, and the Election Commission, Tejashwi Yadav claimed that attempts were made to compromise democracy through electoral irregularities. Highlighting the administration's decision to shift protest venues away from Jantar Mantar to the borders of Delhi, he termed the move a manifestation of government fear. Calling upon citizens to protect democratic values, Tejashwi Yadav affirmed: 'हम सब लोग एकजुट हैं लोकतंत्र को बचाने के लिए और इसके लिए जो कुर्बानी देना होगा, हम सब लोग जो है मिलकर के देंगे।' Leaders from various opposition parties, including D. Raja, Supriya Sule, Harendra Malik, and activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, reiterated their collective demand for accountability and continued nationwide protests.
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Delhi Denotifies Jantar Mantar As Protest Site; 3 Venues Named Amid Opposition Outcry
Delhi Police has formally denotified Jantar Mantar as an authorised site for protests and demonstrations following an order issued on October 11 by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar. In its place, authorities have designated three alternative sites across the national capital: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. The opposition and public groups have criticised the decision, describing it as an attempt to push protests out of sight. A ground analysis reveals major hurdles across the new venues. Ramlila Maidan, while located closest to central Delhi, incurs steep booking and security fees totalling over 1.21 lakh rupees per day, requires complex clearances, and has practically no booking slots available until late December due to festive events. Alternative sites like Burari Ground and CBD Ground are located far from the city centre, situated 13 to 20 kilometres away, creating severe logistical and transit challenges for demonstration organisers.
Opposition INDIA Bloc Ramps Up Heat on CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Demands Resignation
The opposition INDIA bloc is executing a concerted strategy against the central government, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following a petition filed in the Supreme Court, alliance leaders convened to outline a multi-pronged legal, political, and psychological campaign. Opposition figures emphasized the inclusion of student groups and civil society to protect democratic institutions.
Rahul Gandhi Residence Strategy Meet, INDIA Bloc SC Petition, Opposition Protests Against EC
Opposition leaders and INDIA alliance members gathered at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's official residence at 5 Suneri Bagh Road in New Delhi to discuss their ongoing agitation and future course of action against the Election Commission of India. Speaking outside the residence, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram stated that collective leadership will decide future steps, noting that options include legal avenues, street demonstrations, and raising the issue in Parliament. The meeting follows a joint petition filed in the Supreme Court by Rahul Gandhi and ten other alliance leaders, alongside street marches in central Delhi and plans for an impeachment motion.
Rahul Gandhi Hosts High Tea, Opposition Strategy Meet, Deepender Hooda Says 'Struggle Continues'
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda stated that the Opposition's struggle continues for the restoration of democracy and to secure an absolutely neutral Election Commission alongside a level playing field. Speaking outside Rahul Gandhi's residence at Sunheri Bagh in New Delhi ahead of an INDIA bloc high tea meeting and joint press conference, Hooda dismissed claims made by the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding Rahul Gandhi's conduct during recent protest marches as laugh worthy, stating that massive public turnout in Delhi had shaken the government. Addressing queries about whether leaders would march to India Gate or launch surprise protests, Hooda remarked that discussions would take place inside before deciding future steps. Heavy security deployment and barricading were witnessed along Sunheri Bagh lane as Opposition leaders, members of Parliament, and civil society representatives arrived for the scheduled meeting to press demands concerning electoral integrity and voting machines.