# INDIA Bloc MPs Begin Protest March Against ECI, Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation

The protesting Opposition leaders raised slogans targeting the CEC, BJP and RSS as they proceeded towards the poll panel's office.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not participate in the march.

Security was stepped up in view of the demonstration, with Delhi Police and other security personnel deployed in the area. Barricades were also installed outside the Election Commission's office as authorities prepared for the protest.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with several other INDIA bloc leaders, staged a dharna after being stopped from proceeding towards the ECI headquarters.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee and SP MP Dharmendra Yadav were among the leaders seen participating in the march and raising slogans.

Congress MP Pawan Khera, who carried a 'Save Democracy' banner, said the protest was only the beginning and indicated that the issue would continue to be raised by the Opposition.

Congress leader Ragini Nayak said the demonstration was aimed at defending democratic institutions and the electoral process, alleging that the Constitution and voters' rights were under threat.

Delhi Police officials said security personnel had been instructed to remain prepared to deal with any situation arising during the protest. Arrangements were made to regulate the gathering, manage crowds and maintain law and order.

Authorities said their priority was to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful and that no untoward incident took place.

Restrictions have also been imposed in and around Jantar Mantar under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which allows authorities to regulate certain gatherings and activities in the area.

The administration has appealed to people to follow the restrictions and cooperate with the security arrangements put in place during the protest.