Opposition Leaders Submit Memorandum to President Murmu

On October 9, 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spearheaded a march involving Opposition Members of Parliament from the Parliament to Rashtrapati Bhavan. This demonstration culminated in a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, during which a memorandum was submitted, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The march followed a significant gathering of nearly 150 leaders from the INDIA bloc in the Central Hall of Parliament, where they collectively voiced their concerns regarding the functioning and impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The memorandum is intended to formally address these issues with the President.

The backdrop to this protest includes a planned demonstration by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against the Chief Election Commissioner. In response to potential unrest in the capital, Delhi Police have enacted a suspension of mobile internet services within a 4-kilometer radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing, effective from 10 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10, 2026. This decision aims to maintain public order during the anticipated protests.

In a related development, the Supreme Court issued a statement questioning the government's restrictions on the Delhi Metro and train services, emphasizing that such measures should not be excessively punitive. The court's remarks came as the police prepared for the protests, which are expected to draw significant crowds. The Deputy Commissioner of Police has communicated the need for these internet restrictions to major telecommunications providers, citing the Telecommunications Act of 2023 as the legal basis for the suspension.

The implications of these protests extend beyond immediate political concerns, as over 20,000 security personnel are being deployed across New Delhi and its borders to ensure safety. This heightened security comes on the heels of previous protests led by the CJP, which had previously demanded the resignation of the Education Minister. The upcoming protests are anticipated to be similarly intense, as CJP leaders plan to return to Jantar Mantar on October 10 to call for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Looking ahead, Rahul Gandhi announced that the Opposition leaders will visit the Supreme Court on Monday to present a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India. Following the meeting with President Murmu, Gandhi expressed his astonishment that the President did not outright deny the allegations of electoral misconduct, although she requested evidence. He asserted that they possess ample proof of electoral irregularities, which he claims the nation has witnessed. The President's office has yet to release an official statement regarding the discussions held during the meeting.