INDIA bloc may march to Rashtrapati Bhavan over CEC, SIR; security stepped up
Opposition MPs will meet on Friday to decide their next move as Delhi deploys over 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel amid the ongoing protests
INDIA bloc MPs will meet at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan at 3 pm on Friday (October 9) and could proceed for another protest against "vote chori", sources said.
They also said the INDIA bloc has sought time from President Droupadi Murmu and if they do not get an appointment, "all options are on the table".
The sources said Seva Teerth, Rashtrapati Bhawan, vice-president's residence, and the residences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah could be the likely options for the venue for the protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.
Earlier on Thursday, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said the INDIA bloc has requested an appointment from President Murmu and is awaiting a response from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He said the first request letter was sent on October 2. Subsequently, the Rashtrapati Bhavan asked for the names of leaders who would attend the meeting.
"Accordingly, we submitted the request again on October 5, along with the names, seeking an appointment on October 7, 8 or 9," Venugopal had said. "So far, we have received no response. We will wait until Friday," he had said.
Over 20,000 security personnel deployed
Meanwhile, Delhi police have stepped up security across the national capital ahead of the INDIA bloc’s possible march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek President Murmu’s intervention over its demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, sources said.
More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across central Delhi, where the Cockroach Janata Party too has announced another protest on Saturday, this time against Kumar.
Security has been strengthened around Parliament, Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations.
Police teams are keeping a close watch on possible gathering points and routes leading towards Rashtrapati Bhavan. Additional contingents of Central Armed Police Forces have been mobilised to man key roads. Pickets and barricades have been placed at strategic points.
The police have urged commuters to plan their journeys and follow traffic advisories as restrictions and diversions may affect movement in central Delhi.