UPDATED: Oct 12, 2026 17:57 IST
A Congress-led opposition delegation marched towards the Supreme Court to submit a petition following an email response from the Chief Justice of India stating he cannot interfere in the functioning of elected representatives. Protesters, led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alongside leaders from the Samajwadi Party, TMC, and left-wing outfits, demanded the rollback of the nationwide Special Intensive Revision exercise, the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and a return to ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines. The government and BJP leadership countered the agitation, alleging the opposition aims to spread anarchy in the national capital while disregarding policy matters.
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INDIA Bloc March, Supreme Court Petition and CEC Resignation Demand
Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a massive protest march towards the Supreme Court demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over the SIR exercise. The march was stopped by Delhi Police barricades near Mandi House after pushback against supporters. A delegation of ten leaders led by Rahul Gandhi plans to approach the Supreme Court to submit a petition or memorandum, while the government maintains that the court has found no fault with the SIR exercise.
Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav And Priyanka Gandhi Lead Massive Protest
Congress and opposition leaders gathered in large numbers during a protest, demonstrating a significant show of strength. Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi, D. K. Shivakumar, and K. C. Venugopal were seen together atop a vehicle, addressing the gathering and acknowledging the crowds. Rahul Gandhi delivered a short impromptu address to cadre from the National Students' Union of India and other supporters who turned up in large numbers along the route. Leaders called on colleagues and supporters to join them as they navigated the crowded protest site.
INDIA Bloc March to Supreme Court; High Security and Protests as Leaders Seek Entry
INDIA bloc leaders organised a protest march heading towards the Supreme Court, with key leaders travelling in a bus procession. Delhi Police and paramilitary forces enhanced security around Barakhamba Road and Bhagwan Das Road. While the coalition sought an appointment, only a delegation of eight leaders was permitted to enter the Supreme Court premises to submit their petition, even as the registry closing hours approached.
'Our Demand Should Be A Repoll': DK Shivakumar On EVMs
Speaking during a march to submit a petition before the Chief Justice of India, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanded a repoll, the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and the resumption of postal ballots. Demanding action regarding voting machines, Shivakumar stated, 'Repoll has to be organized in all those states where there are won through EVM.' Responding to questions regarding allegations of voter fraud, he asserted, 'In spite of their vote jewelry, our people have given us a mandate.' Leaders walked along the street intending to submit their petition directly to the Supreme Court.