INDIA bloc leaders demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal at Ramlila Maidan rally

Leaders of the INDIA bloc addressed a large gathering at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1, 2026, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The rally followed a march from the Minto Road-Connaught Place area and came a day after a symbolic public impeachment of the CEC.

Rahul Gandhi told the crowd that Gyanesh Kumar would be removed from office and face legal action. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah would also face proceedings over alleged vote theft. Mallikarjun Kharge stated the Opposition would continue the fight until Kumar left office. Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav also addressed the gathering.

Organisers claimed the event drew substantial numbers, while police estimates placed attendance lower. The BJP described the rally as a political stunt aimed at creating disorder. The protests centre on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which Opposition parties say has led to the deletion of large numbers of voters, particularly from marginalised groups.

Delhi Police deployed thousands of personnel. The INDIA bloc has framed the issue as an attack on the Constitution and the right to vote. Speakers repeatedly used the slogan "Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao." The gathering included leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and Left parties.

The Election Commission has not accepted the Opposition's characterisation of the SIR process. The rally marks one of the largest unified Opposition mobilisations in the capital in recent months. Legal and political consequences remain to be seen as the parties prepare further action.