NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asked party MPs to remain in Delhi from October 30 to November 1 amid protests by INDIA bloc parties over alleged “vote chori” and irregularities involving the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).In a communication to MPs, Kharge requested their presence in the national capital for all three days in connection with the protests.The message cited allegations of “vote chori” and revelations regarding alleged irregularities by the ECI and the CEC as the reasons for the directive.“That on 30 October, 31 October and 1 November, 2026, in connection with ongoing protest on the issue of ‘Vote Chori’ and revelations in regard to irregularities by the Election Commission of India and the CEC, all MPs are requested to be present in Delhi,” the message stated as quoted by news agency ANI.The instruction comes ahead of the Congress’s “Save the Vote, Save the Country Jan March and Mega Rally”, scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.Earlier on Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to students, farmers, labourers, women, youth and traders to join the rally, alleging that names had been deleted from voter lists and electoral rules and laws had been violated.
In a post on X, Rahul alleged that votes were being stolen and those questioning the process had faced the use of force.“Our votes are being stolen, and we will not tolerate this quietly under any circumstances,” he wrote.“Names have been removed from the voter lists. Rules and laws have been broken. And lathis have been used on those asking questions. Now the country will respond,” he added.Announcing the November 1 programme, he urged people to gather in Delhi for the march and mega rally, describing it as a campaign to protect democracy.