Emphasising Opposition unity, Gandhi said the protests should be seen as one collective movement rather than separate demonstrations by individual parties.
“This is not multiple protests; this is one protest. The entire Opposition is standing here. Anybody who wants to protest, any person, is welcome to come here. We are all standing together because we are defending the Constitution, the idea of India and the vote, which is the expression of all Indians,” he said.
At least 30 speakers, including representatives of 21 political parties, are expected to participate in the public impeachment programme. Besides Kharge and Gandhi, one representative from each participating party is likely to address the gathering.
The venue for the ‘public impeachment’ programme had to be shifted to Kharge’s official residence after the Opposition failed to obtain permission to hold it at the Constitution Club and Talkatora Stadium, reflecting the administrative hurdles the parties have faced in organising their protests.
The campaign against Kumar has gained momentum following a series of revelations and reports questioning the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls. The Opposition has been demanding Kumar’s resignation and accountability from the Election Commission of India.
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