INDIA Bloc Parties Stage Joint Protest in Srinagar Under ‘Save Democracy Week’ Campaign

Leaders of the Congress, National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a joint protest in Srinagar on Saturday as part of the Opposition INDIA bloc’s nationwide ‘Save Democracy Week’ and ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ campaign.

The demonstration brought together leaders from the three parties, which have often been political rivals in Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters sought to march from the Congress headquarters on Maulana Azad Road but were stopped by police personnel deployed in large numbers to prevent the procession.

Following the intervention, the protesters returned to the Congress office compound and held a symbolic demonstration within the premises. They carried flags of the Congress, NC and PDP.

Congress leaders accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of undermining the Constitution and democratic institutions. The protesters described their demonstration as peaceful and called for united action to protect democratic rights.

They also raised demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for accountability over the electoral process.

The protesters further criticised restrictions reportedly imposed in Delhi, including curbs on movement and internet services, alleging that such measures threatened democratic freedoms.

The INDIA bloc leaders appealed to people across the country to unite in defence of the Constitution and democratic institutions.

The ‘Save Democracy Week’ campaign, also known as ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, was launched by Opposition parties to raise concerns over the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The campaign’s demands include the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a halt to or review of the SIR process, and changes to the mechanism for appointing Election Commissioners. Opposition parties have also called for safeguards for universal adult suffrage under Article 326 of the Constitution.

The INDIA bloc has alleged that the electoral roll revision could lead to the exclusion of large numbers of eligible voters and has demanded greater transparency in the functioning of electoral institutions.

Demonstrations under the campaign have been organised in several parts of the country. In Jammu and Kashmir, INDIA bloc parties have held joint protests, including in Srinagar and Baramulla, against the SIR process and the Election Commission.

The campaign has brought Opposition parties together around demands concerning electoral transparency, voting rights and the accountability of constitutional institutions.