Rahul Gandhi has called INDIA bloc MPs for a strategy meeting over alleged vote chori. The huddle will shape the opposition's next protest steps and pressure on the Chief Election Commissioner.
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Newdelhi,Oct 13, 2026 00:34 IST
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has invited INDIA bloc MPs for a high tea at his residence on Tuesday, sources said. They said the meeting is expected to focus on a joint strategy for protests over alleged "vote chori" and to press for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
According to the sources, the opposition alliance may also hold a protest or a joint press conference after the meeting, though the details have been kept under wraps. The high tea will be held at Gandhi's 5, Sunehri Bagh Road residence.
The meeting comes a day after the row over the vote theft charge reached the Supreme Court. Opposition leaders, along with activists and civil society members, held a "March for Democracy" on a heavily barricaded route and later filed a joint petition against SIR and alleged poll irregularities in a major show of strength in the national capital.
A large crowd carrying flags and posters gathered at Connaught Place. Among those who joined the march were Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, CPI leader D Raja, CPI(M) leader M A Baby, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and NCP-SCP leader Supriya Sule.
While the protesters crossed one barricade at Bhagwan Dass Road, they were stopped at a second barricade on the same road. Top INDIA bloc leaders later went to the Supreme Court to file their petition.
The petition has made the Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi parties in the case. The development came a day after the Chief Justice of India declined a request for a meeting with the Leaders of Opposition on the issue, saying the matter is sub judice.
Tuesday's high tea is expected to bring INDIA bloc MPs together to finalise their next steps after the march, the petition in the Supreme Court and the opposition's demand for action over the alleged "vote chori".
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