INDIA bloc set for showdown on Election Commission row

Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc umbrella are expected to convene in New Delhi on September 30 to coordinate their response to mounting concerns about the Election Commission's functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The planned meeting reflects a rare show of unity among typically fractious opposition groups, who have been in regular contact to formulate a joint strategy on the issue. The move comes against the backdrop of reported internal disagreements within the Election Commission itself regarding aspects of the SIR exercise.

Several left-wing parties have taken an aggressive stance, with the CPI(M), CPI and CPI(ML)-Liberation calling for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an immediate suspension of the SIR process. The Indian National Congress has similarly intensified its criticism of Kumar's leadership. The Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet on September 29 to deliberate on its own strategic approach.

The developments have created an unusual convergence of interests between ideological adversaries. West Bengal's TMC and CPI(M), bitter political rivals in their home state, have found common cause in raising questions about the Election Commission's impartiality and the SIR exercise, signalling the breadth of opposition concern on the matter.