EC Says No Party Requested Meeting Before 4 PM During INDIA Bloc Protest

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday clarified that no political party had sought a meeting with the poll body before 4 pm, when opposition parties staged a sit-in outside its office. The EC said it became aware of the opposition delegation's intent only after Delhi Police informed it that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was leading a group of MPs who wanted to meet the Commission.

The INDIA bloc's demonstration was called to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged partisan conduct during the recent elections. The opposition coalition had gathered at the ECI office to press its demands, but the timing of the delegation's request came after the sit-in had already begun.

The EC's statement underscores the lack of prior coordination between the opposition parties and the election watchdog regarding the planned meeting. The clarification suggests that the opposition's engagement with the Commission was reactive rather than formally scheduled in advance.

The sit-in marked another flashpoint between the ruling government and the opposition over election administration and the perceived impartiality of the Election Commission. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between political parties and the poll body over governance and electoral conduct.