Delhi protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi leads INDIA bloc march to Supreme Court

The Opposition’s planned march to the Supreme Court on Monday, 12 October has run into a fresh hurdle with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant declining a request by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for a meeting on the same day.

The CJI turned down the request on Sunday, with sources citing the fact that the issues likely to be raised were already sub judice before the Supreme Court. They also said the court could not intervene, through its administrative side, in matters concerning governance and the functioning of the state.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that entry and exit at six Metro stations will remain closed from 6.00 am-4.00 pm on Monday, ahead of the Opposition march.

The developments come amid mounting tensions over the Opposition’s campaign against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with protests and demands for his resignation continuing in different parts of the country.

In Mumbai, police detained several people who gathered near Shivaji Park in Dadar to protest against Kumar and demand his resignation. Protesters alleged that police personnel had been deployed at multiple entry points around the park and that several people were detained before they could join the demonstration.

Addressing a press conference at Indira Bhawan ahead of the march, Gandhi said the Opposition would continue its campaign against electoral irregularities. He reported his suggestion to Gyanesh Kumar to resign and turn approver, claiming that more powerful figures were behind the wrongdoing. “Resign, turn approver; you have made a mistake but you are not the mind behind the mistake,” Gandhi advised the chief election commissioner.

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