Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Congress Says INDIA Bloc Protest Seeks to Protect Democracy
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge invited leaders from the INDIA alliance to lunch in New Delhi.
The leaders said they are working together to protect voters and democracy.
They want Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
They also said they want to meet President Droupadi Murmu.
Opposition leaders said they were stopped from protesting at the Election Commission and at Jantar Mantar.
Congress leaders accused the police of using too much force.
An FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi over allegations of assault and misbehaviour.
Congress leaders disputed those allegations and said their protest would continue.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hosted INDIA bloc leaders for lunch in New Delhi for a second consecutive day.
Congress leaders said the alliance would continue protesting until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
The Opposition has requested a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu; Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said the first request was sent on October 2.
Congress leaders accused Delhi Police of using excessive force and preventing demonstrations at the Election Commission and Jantar Mantar.
Venugopal and other Congress leaders criticized an FIR against Rahul Gandhi over allegations of assault and misbehaviour.
- Who
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, INDIA bloc leaders and other Opposition MPs.
- What
- The INDIA bloc held a lunch meeting and said it would continue protesting, including its demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
- When
- Thursday; the article also refers to protests on the preceding days.
- Where
- A restaurant in New Delhi; the article also discusses protests at Jantar Mantar and near the Election Commission office.
- Why
- Congress leaders said they were protesting to protect democracy and voters, and to seek Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
- Host
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge
- Alliance
- INDIA bloc
- Location of lunch
- A restaurant in New Delhi
- Main protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Meeting request
- Venugopal said the first request to meet President Droupadi Murmu was sent on October 2.
- FIR
- An FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi over allegations of assault and misbehaviour, according to the article.