SIR controversy: Congress declares ‘Black Day’ on October 8; major protest likely

The protest over SIR and Election Commission‘s alleged doings majorly escalated during October 7 evening hours, with the Congress announcing protests across the country on October 8 after police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders.

The party leaders were detained during their demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Congress has asked its Pradesh, District and Block Congress Committees to hold protests at the state, district and block/mandal levels tomorrow.

The party has declared October 8 a “Black Day” for Indian democracy, major news outlets including PTI and ANI reported.

While protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, INDIA bloc MPs, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, were attempting to proceed towards Jantar Mantar when they were stopped by Delhi Police barricades.

Also read | ‘Police scratched me all over’: Priyanka Gandhi recalls being dragged away after detention at Jantar Mantar
Tensions rose as protesters tried to cross the barricades. Gandhi attempted to open a barricaded gate but was prevented from doing so by police personnel, after which the police pushed the protesters back.Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the leaders detained by Delhi Police.

The Congress alleged that its leaders and other INDIA bloc MPs were subjected to a lathi charge during the confrontation and that some sustained injuries, ANI reported.

In a note issued by the All India Congress Committee, the party described the police action as an attack on the Constitution and said it would continue its campaign until Gyanesh Kumar was removed from the post.

Priyanka Gandhi was seen lying on the ground during the protest. According to the Congress, she alleged that women police personnel had scratched her and that protesters had been pushed to the ground.

She also questioned the use of force against MPs seeking to meet the Election Commission.

Also read | March to EC office: Opposition MPs stopped like ‘terrorists’ at gunpoint, claims Sanjay Raut

The Opposition has been pressing for Kumar’s resignation amid reports of internal objections within the Election Commission and a controversy surrounding changes to Form 6 during the SIR exercise.