INDIA bloc parties are expected to hold a meeting in New Delhi on September 30 to discuss their concerns regarding the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, according to sources. The proposed meeting comes as opposition parties increase coordination over the issue. It also follows reports of differences within the Election Commission over certain aspects of the SIR exercise. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI(ML)-Liberation have called for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded an immediate suspension of the SIR process. The Congress has also intensified its criticism of Kumar. The Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet on September 29 to discuss the party's strategy on the issue. Sources said opposition parties have been communicating with one another and are working towards a coordinated response.

TMC and CPI(M) Find Common Ground

The Election Commission issue has also brought political rivals in West Bengal closer on this particular matter. The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M), which have traditionally been political opponents in the state, are now seeking coordinated action over concerns related to the Election Commission. CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby wrote to INDIA bloc and other opposition leaders calling for a meeting to discuss the developments. He later spoke with Banerjee, who agreed that the situation required opposition parties to work together. The development marks a notable instance of the two parties finding common ground on an election-related issue despite their political differences in West Bengal.

Opposition Preparing Fresh Notice Against CEC

Opposition parties are also working on a new removal notice against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Sources said the notice is expected to be submitted in both Houses of Parliament after being reviewed by legal experts. If submitted, it would be the opposition's third attempt to initiate action seeking Kumar's removal. The latest mobilisation gained momentum following an Indian Express report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on multiple occasions concerning decisions and orders linked to the SIR exercise. The report has added to the opposition's concerns over the functioning of the poll panel and the implementation of the electoral roll revision process.

Election Commission Defends Internal Deliberations

The Election Commission has maintained that differences of opinion and observations are a normal part of institutional decision-making. The poll panel has also asserted that its orders have complete legal backing and are issued in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures. The opposition, however, continues to raise concerns over the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission, with several parties now seeking a collective response.

Opposition Coordination Grows Over SIR

The latest proposed INDIA bloc meeting is part of wider opposition coordination over the electoral roll revision and other election-related matters. Earlier, 23 political parties and an Independent MP jointly approached the Chief Justice of India over the SIR process and other concerns related to elections. With the Congress, Left parties and the TMC coordinating on the issue, opposition parties are preparing to intensify their response ahead of the proposed September 30 meeting.