Opposition demands CEC's resignation as protests escalate across country

Opposition parties ramped up pressure on the Election Commission Wednesday, with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi declaring that demonstrations would persist until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar steps down. The coordinated show of strength featured a dramatic three-hour bus procession through the capital, followed by an impromptu sit-in that drew attention to the opposition's grievances against the election machinery. The escalation marks a significant intensification of the opposition's campaign against the poll panel, reflecting deepening tensions between the India bloc and the Election Commission over conduct of electoral processes. Opposition leaders indicated that fresh protests were being planned for Thursday, signaling their commitment to maintaining pressure on the government and election authorities. The demonstrations underscore growing friction within India's political establishment over questions of electoral governance and the independence of constitutional institutions.