‘Be Ready to Mobilise Within 24 Hours’: Rahul Gandhi’s Message to Opposition Leaders

Rahul Gandhi Vows Continued Resistance, Opposition to Challenge Jantar Mantar Protest Site Decision

The Opposition on Tuesday vowed to continue its political and public resistance to the government’s actions, asserting that its campaign to “restore democracy” would continue regardless of the role played by constitutional institutions. Opposition leaders also announced plans to challenge the government’s decision to withdraw Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site.

Addressing a press conference at his residence at 5, Sunehri Bagh, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition had faith in the Supreme Court and the judicial system but would continue its movement irrespective of institutional intervention.

“We have extreme respect for the Supreme Court, for the Chief Justice of India, for the judicial system. They have a role to play; we hope they will play that role. No matter what happens, no matter which institution plays a role or not, political resistance will continue, people’s resistance will continue and it will triumph,” Gandhi said.

The press conference followed a high-tea meeting hosted by Gandhi with Opposition leaders, student activists and civil society representatives to discuss the next phase of their campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. On Monday, Opposition leaders and student groups had marched towards the Supreme Court to submit a petition raising concerns over the Election Commission’s functioning and alleged electoral irregularities.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Manoj Jha, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI leaders D Raja and P Sandosh Kumar, and several representatives of the Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Trinamool Congress and other parties attended the meeting. Student and civil society representatives were also present.

Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi, Amit Shah Over ‘Vote Chori’

Gandhi asserted that undermining the Constitution could not be done without consequences and reiterated the Opposition’s demand for accountability over alleged “vote chori”.

“It is our commitment that the people who have done this — Mr Modi, who is the main architect, Amit Shah, who is the implementer, Gyanesh Kumar and others — they need to understand that the net is closing around them….We assure you that all would be brought to justice,” he said.

The Congress leader maintained that the Opposition parties were united in their efforts to restore democracy and that their protests were part of a common movement rather than separate political campaigns.

Opposition Condemns Withdrawal of Jantar Mantar’s Protest Site Status

The government’s decision to withdraw Jantar Mantar’s designation as an official protest site emerged as a major issue during the meeting. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said the move reflected the government’s concerns over public demonstrations, while CPI leader D Raja announced that the Opposition would fight to reclaim the venue.

According to sources, the leaders agreed that they would not accept the decision to withdraw Jantar Mantar’s protest site status. Future INDIA bloc programmes are expected to include attempts to march to the location.

The CPI(M) also announced its opposition to the decision, alleging that it would restrict dissent and undermine the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations.

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby criticised the move in a post on X, saying the government was mistaken if it believed that removing Jantar Mantar’s designation would make protests disappear. He accused the BJP-led Union government of showing intolerance towards dissent and reiterated that the campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner would continue.

AISA leader Neha Bora also criticised the BJP, arguing that the Opposition’s united campaign was directed against the ruling party. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said democratic forces had come together because they believed the Constitution was under threat.

Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose said the INDIA bloc would continue its campaign until action was taken against Gyanesh Kumar and officials accused of involvement in alleged electoral irregularities. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also said the movement seeking the CEC’s removal would continue under Gandhi’s leadership.

Opposition Plans Next Steps After Supreme Court Hearing

During the high-tea meeting, Gandhi reportedly advised participating parties and organisations to remain prepared for rapid mobilisation against the government, if required.

According to sources, Opposition leaders were encouraged by the turnout at Monday’s march and reviewed the protests conducted so far. Representatives of Opposition parties, student organisations and civil society groups agreed to determine their next course of action after the Supreme Court hears the petition submitted on Monday.

Another proposal discussed during the meeting was to organise a mock Parliament session during a joint Opposition rally planned for the first week of November at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan.

Sources said the proposal envisages a symbolic move to “impeach the CEC” during the mock session. The idea is expected to be discussed further before any final decision is taken.

The Opposition’s immediate priorities remain its campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner, demands for accountability over alleged electoral irregularities, and efforts to reverse the decision concerning Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest venue.