OPPOSITION PARTIES MAP FRESH PARLIAMENTARY PUSH OVER SIR AND ELECTION COMMISSION

September 30, 2026

Senior leaders of several opposition parties gathered in New Delhi on Wednesday to coordinate their response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission.

The meeting at the Constitution Club brought together leaders from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD, Left parties, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), JMM, National Conference and other opposition groups. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee were among those present.

A key issue before the meeting was a fresh parliamentary initiative seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders were also expected to discuss a coordinated programme of protests and wider political mobilisation over the SIR exercise.

The Aam Aadmi Party and DMK did not attend the meeting. Both parties, however, have indicated support for a parliamentary move seeking Kumar's removal, highlighting cooperation on the specific issue despite their distance from the INDIA bloc's current organisational structure.

The opposition gathering followed reports of differences among Election Commission members over aspects of the SIR process. The Election Commission has maintained that differing views are a normal part of institutional deliberations and that its orders follow established legal procedures.

The parties are expected to continue discussions on electoral-roll transparency, protection of eligible voters and the proposed parliamentary motion as they work towards a common course of action on the issue.