Congress rallies tens of thousands to pressure Supreme Court over election commissioner
On October 12, the Congress party led a massive march that ended outside India’s Supreme Court, aiming to force the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and to push the court toward neutrality.
On October 12, Congress and allied groups marched through the streets of India, culminating in a large gathering outside the Supreme Court to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party officials argue that the judiciary has favored the Modi government for a decade and that public pressure is needed to ensure neutral judgments, particularly in a case seeking an independent audit of a recent voter-list revision.
Rahul Gandhi, speaking after the march, expressed respect for the court but reiterated that political opposition will not cease. Chief Justice Surya Kant rebuked attempts to “browbeat” the judiciary, with the next hearing set for October 27. Congress leaders warned that continued protests could lead to arrests, yet they intend to meet displaced voters in their villages to amplify the “vote chori” narrative ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Why it matters
The protest highlights growing political tension over India's election process and the perceived impartiality of its highest court.
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