Rahul Gandhi Says ‘Something Big’ Could Happen Within Six to Eight Months
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly told opposition leaders that “something big” could happen within the next six to eight months
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly told opposition leaders that “something big” could happen within the next six to eight months that could put Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah under pressure.
Gandhi made the remarks during a meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc in New Delhi, according to people familiar with the discussions. The meeting focused largely on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the functioning of the Election Commission and opposition demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to sources cited in Indian media reports, Gandhi urged opposition parties to intensify their campaign and maintain pressure on the government. However, no independent or official evidence has been made public to substantiate his claim about a major development occurring within six to eight months.
The INDIA bloc subsequently announced a joint programme of protests across the country. District-level “Save Democracy” marches are scheduled from 2 to 8 October, while opposition MPs will march towards the Election Commission’s office on 6 October. The alliance has also announced plans for several major rallies in October and November.
Opposition seeks united campaign
The meeting also discussed political differences among INDIA bloc partners at the state level. Since several alliance members are political rivals in different states, coordinating joint campaigns everywhere could prove difficult.
Gandhi nevertheless argued that the opposition should remain united at the national level on issues concerning the Election Commission and voter rolls, even where the parties compete against each other in state politics.
The meeting also touched on allegations concerning electronic voting machines (EVMs), including claims relating to South Kolkata. Such allegations have not been established as proven instances of EVM manipulation, and the Election Commission has its own position on the issue.
Gandhi also reportedly told opposition leaders that he had obtained important information concerning the government and the prime minister, including information allegedly provided by government agencies and officials. He urged opposition leaders to share information in their possession with one another.
Demand for CEC’s resignation
Opposition leaders at the meeting agreed to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc has also called for changes to the SIR process and has raised concerns about alleged irregularities in electoral procedures.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for the opposition’s campaign to be intensified. She has also publicly demanded Kumar’s removal and said the protests would continue to be escalated.
Gandhi said the political contest was becoming broader and urged opposition parties to remain united around what he described as the need to protect India’s Constitution and democratic institutions.
At a press conference following the meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced that opposition MPs would march to the Election Commission on 6 October. The alliance also plans to seek a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise its concerns.
Despite Gandhi’s prominent role in the meeting and the joint campaign, no formal decision was publicly announced declaring him the leader of the INDIA bloc. The question of alliance leadership remains separate from his role in coordinating the opposition’s current campaign.