Opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc met in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss a coordinated response to the ongoing dispute involving the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The meeting, which was expected to test the alliance's ability to maintain a common position despite differences among its constituent parties, ended with broad agreement on stepping up political pressure and organising a series of protests and programmes.

The discussions centred on the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and allegations raised by Opposition parties over the electoral-roll revision process. The alliance is also considering a wider campaign and legal measures as part of its response.

Rahul Gandhi Calls It A Fight For Democracy

During the meeting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stressed the need for Opposition parties to remain united on the issue.

According to a leader present at the meeting, Gandhi said the Opposition had been raising concerns about the issue from the beginning and described the battle as one concerning the survival of democracy.

At the same time, Gandhi reportedly acknowledged that parties belonging to the INDIA bloc remain political rivals in several states. He suggested that while they may not always be able to hold joint demonstrations, they could campaign separately while using a common message.

The remarks reflect the challenge facing the alliance: maintaining a national position on the Election Commission while constituent parties continue to compete against one another in states such as Kerala and elsewhere.

Rahul Targets PM Modi

Gandhi also launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the meeting, according to leaders familiar with the discussions.

He reportedly claimed that Modi was under pressure and suggested that more revelations concerning the government could emerge.

Gandhi also referred to his earlier protest outside the Prime Minister's residence and alleged that officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, were being contacted during the demonstration.

The remarks were presented by leaders at the meeting as part of Gandhi's broader argument that the Opposition should intensify its campaign over the Election Commission controversy.

Mamata Calls For Outreach Beyond INDIA Bloc

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee argued that the Opposition should also approach political parties that are outside the INDIA bloc but may share its concerns about the Election Commission, according to sources.

Banerjee reportedly referred to her recent communication with CPI(M) leader M A Baby, despite the longstanding political rivalry between the Trinamool Congress and the Left in West Bengal.

She told the meeting that political differences should not prevent parties from cooperating on the issue.

Banerjee also suggested reaching out to other parties. Sources said she mentioned having spoken to the Biju Janata Dal and said there was scope for broader coordination.

Her comments came amid efforts by Opposition parties to build a wider political campaign around electoral-roll revisions and the Election Commission.

Omar Abdullah Raises Question Of Voter Participation

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke during the meeting, with the issue of public confidence in elections forming part of his remarks, according to a leader present.

Abdullah reportedly recalled that his father, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, had consistently encouraged people to participate in elections rather than boycott them.

He then raised concerns about whether voters could continue to be asked to participate if confidence in the electoral process was undermined.

His comments added another dimension to the Opposition's argument that the controversy over electoral rolls could affect public trust in elections.

Opposition Seeks Action Against CEC

The meeting also saw discussions around the demand for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Opposition parties have been seeking Kumar's resignation and have discussed parliamentary and legal avenues in response to their allegations concerning the SIR process. The INDIA bloc is also preparing a broader programme of protests, including proposed "Save Democracy" campaigns.

The Congress Working Committee has separately demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar in connection with its allegations surrounding the electoral process.

However, the Opposition's effort to project a completely unified front has faced limitations. Reports on the September 30 meeting said some major regional parties, including the Samajwadi Party and DMK, did not attend, while the Aam Aadmi Party has said it is no longer part of the alliance.

The INDIA bloc now plans to work on a calendar of protests and political programmes as it seeks to turn its concerns over the Election Commission and SIR into a broader national campaign.

The Election Commission has defended the process and rejected allegations of wrongdoing, while the Opposition continues to demand greater scrutiny and accountability. The dispute is therefore set to remain a major political issue in the run-up to the next round of elections.