Election Commission declines late-day request by Rahul Gandhi-led MPs for meeting
The Election Commission of India said no party had requested a meeting before 4 pm and turned down a delegation of about 240 MPs led by Rahul Gandhi who sought to meet the poll panel at the Parliament House Annexe.
The Election Commission of India reported that it received a late-day notice from Delhi Police about a delegation of about 240 MPs, led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, seeking a meeting to submit a memorandum. The commission reminded that its 2025 guidelines mandate that parties request appointments via authorized representatives and that meetings take place at the commission’s headquarters. When the police indicated the proposed venue was the Parliament House Annexe, the commission deemed the request unusual and refused it, adhering to its established protocol.
As an alternative, the commission proposed dispatching its most senior serving officer to the Parliament Annexe to collect the memorandum, a suggestion the MPs turned down. The commission emphasized that any party may request a meeting at any time, with the timing decided mutually, and that the refusal was based solely on procedural grounds.
Why it matters
It highlights the Election Commission's strict adherence to procedural rules amid political pressure from opposition lawmakers.
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Election Commission denies internal dissent, says all decisions were unanimous
- Sep 23 Congress senior filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to intervene and summon the Election Commission members.
- Sep 25 A Supreme Court petition seeking criminal prosecution of the chief election commissioner was filed.
- Sep 26 The Election Commission announced that Booth Level Officers will visit voters flagged in the SIR to collect supporting documents, with online hearings and additional help desks to be established.
- Sep 27 Opposition parties announced nationwide rallies and a parliamentary motion to force the CEC’s resignation following the removal of over 130 million voter names.
- Oct 2 The Cockroach Janata Party and a coalition of student activists will protest in Mumbai and New Delhi, calling for Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down over disputed voter-list changes.
- Oct 2 The Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition questioning the Election Commission’s decision‑making next week.
- Oct 4 The Supreme Court will hear petitions on Oct 5 seeking the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid a dispute over the special intensive revision exercise.
- Oct 5 Delhi police deployed roughly 5,000 officers and paramilitary units ahead of two anti‑CEC marches.
- Oct 5 The court issued a notice to the Election Commission and the Centre after refusing to suspend the chief election commissioner.
- Oct 6 Opposition MPs including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were briefly detained during a protest march toward the Election Commission.
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