Opposition Alliance to Write to Chief Justice Over Electoral Roll Revision, Demands Education Minister’s Resignation

By The Slate Bureau

New Delhi, June 8: Leaders of 25 opposition parties in India, under the umbrella of the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc, met in New Delhi on Monday and agreed to write to the Chief Justice of India over concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they alleged could undermine the integrity of elections.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, opposition leaders said they would soon submit a joint letter to the Chief Justice raising concerns about what they described as potential electoral irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.

The alliance also unanimously demanded the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of failing to adequately address controversies surrounding the conduct of national examinations, including NEET and CBSE exams.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking alongside senior opposition figures including Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, said the alliance had reached consensus on several key issues.

“The leaders agreed to write to the Chief Justice of India regarding concerns over the electoral roll revision process and alleged threats to free and fair elections,” Kharge said.

The opposition bloc also called on the federal government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss what it described as the country’s worsening economic situation, including unemployment, rising prices, challenges faced by farmers, and issues affecting marginalized communities.

Kharge announced that INDIA bloc leaders would meet every two months to strengthen coordination among opposition parties. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad in August, with the exact date to be finalized later.

The alliance said it would continue coordinating closely during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Several prominent leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, participated in the meeting virtually.