BJP Calls Rahul Gandhi’s Protest March to Supreme Court ‘Pure Theatrics’ Amid SIR Controversy

BJP Calls Rahul Gandhi’s March to Supreme Court ‘Pure Theatrics’

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, October 12, criticised Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders over their march to the Supreme Court in New Delhi, describing the demonstration as “pure theatrics”.

The BJP accused the Congress leadership of undermining constitutional institutions and making allegations of “vote chori” against the Election Commission of India (ECI) without sufficient evidence. The criticism came as Opposition leaders stepped up their campaign over electoral-roll revision and demanded accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

What Did the BJP Say About Rahul Gandhi?

The BJP described Gandhi as a “hawa hawai” leader and alleged that the Congress was blaming constitutional institutions for its electoral defeats instead of examining its own leadership and strategy.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that it lacked a clear vision and understanding of the country and its people.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur also argued that political debates should be based on evidence rather than allegations and statements. These remarks represent the BJP’s response to the Opposition’s campaign.

Why Did Rahul Gandhi and INDIA Bloc Leaders March to the Supreme Court?

On October 12, Rahul Gandhi joined leaders from several Opposition parties in a march towards the Supreme Court to raise concerns about alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The demonstration followed weeks of protests over the Election Commission’s handling of the revision process. Opposition leaders have alleged that the exercise could result in eligible voters being removed from electoral rolls without adequate safeguards.

The Election Commission has denied favouring any political party and has defended its procedures. The allegations raised by the Opposition remain contested.

Opposition Files Petition Against Election Commission

Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders submitted a joint petition concerning the Election Commission and the ongoing SIR process.

According to reports, the petition seeks disclosure of relevant Election Commission records, an independent audit of electoral-roll deletions and safeguards against the removal of voters without adequate notice or an opportunity to be heard.

The petition names the Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

The legal process will determine how the issues raised by the petitioners are considered. The filing itself does not establish that the alleged irregularities occurred.

Police Barricades and March Through Central Delhi

The Opposition march encountered police barricades and security restrictions in central Delhi. Leaders and supporters gathered before proceeding towards the Supreme Court complex.

The demonstration was part of a broader campaign involving Opposition parties, civil society representatives and student groups. The protests have also focused on demands for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

The march brought the dispute over electoral-roll revision into sharper public focus, with the BJP and Opposition presenting sharply different views of the Election Commission’s role.

BJP Says Congress Should Reflect on Electoral Defeats

The BJP argued that Congress should examine its own leadership and political approach rather than question constitutional institutions following electoral losses.

The party has repeatedly criticised Opposition protests against the Election Commission, maintaining that allegations of electoral manipulation should be supported by evidence.

The Congress and its allies, however, have argued that the revision process requires greater transparency and independent scrutiny. The disagreement remains part of the wider political and legal debate over electoral procedures in India.

What Happens Next in the SIR Dispute?

The petition submitted by the Opposition places its concerns before the Supreme Court, while political parties continue to debate the Election Commission’s actions and the revision of electoral rolls.

The court’s consideration of the petition will be separate from the political exchanges between the BJP and Congress. Any conclusions about the legality of specific actions or the validity of the allegations will depend on the relevant records, legal arguments and judicial proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• The BJP described Rahul Gandhi’s march to the Supreme Court as “pure theatrics”.

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticised the Congress leadership.

• The march took place on October 12, 2026, amid protests over the SIR process.

• Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders submitted a petition concerning the Election Commission.

• The petition seeks greater transparency, access to records and safeguards relating to electoral-roll deletions.

• The Election Commission has defended its procedures, while Opposition allegations remain contested.

• The political dispute is now unfolding through both public demonstrations and legal proceedings.