INDIA bloc writes to CJI on concerns over SIR process; alliance gets AAP, DMK on board to raise issue

NEW DELHI: The INDIA bloc parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the DMK have come together to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the Election Commission of India and other election-related issues. The bloc has written a joint letter to the Chief Justice of India raising their concerns.

Sources said that hectic talks behind the scenes led by major parties of the INDIA bloc managed to get signatures of the DMK and AAP in the joint letter.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the letter, initially discussed at an INDIA Janbandhan meeting on June 8, has been signed by 23 political parties and one Independent.

21 political parties plus one Independent attended the INDIA janbandhan meeting on June 8, 2026 where a decision was taken to address a joint letter to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India on the SIR process of the Election Commission of India and other election-related issues.…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 30, 2026

“21 political parties plus one Independent attended the INDIA Janbandhan meeting on June 8, 2026, where a decision was taken to address a joint letter to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India on the SIR process of the Election Commission of India and other election-related issues. Accordingly, a joint letter now signed by 23 political parties plus one Independent has been sent to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India today. The Opposition parties are firmly anchored in SURE–Solidarity, Unity and REsistance,” he wrote on X.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien also confirmed the development, stating that parties including the Aam Aadmi Party and DMK were among the signatories to the letter.

Good going from INDIA. And yes, @AamAadmiParty @arivalayam DMK also signed the joint letter to CJI https://t.co/MtIpS7GdC4

— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) June 30, 2026

Earlier, Jairam Ramesh had described the June 8 INDIA bloc meeting as “good,” stating that the alliance has a “constructive agenda” on issues including the economy, Centre-state relations, protection of the Constitution, and foreign policy.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had said the INDIA bloc must strengthen unity and continue its coordinated approach against what he described as multiple governance challenges, including concerns over electoral processes, inflation, unemployment, and institutional misuse.

“On April 17, 2026, we demonstrated our unity and solidarity in the Lok Sabha in a very decisive manner, when all of us came together firmly and defeated the Modi government’s malicious bills on delimitation. Now we must strengthen and advance that same spirit, so that we can confront the many political, economic, social, and foreign policy challenges facing the country due to the Modi government’s misgovernance,” Kharge said during the ‘INDIA janbandhan’ meeting.

He further said that coordinated efforts were needed to address what he described as challenges facing governance and institutions in the country.

“Due to SIR, the voting rights of millions of our people are being stripped away. The assault on the Constitution continues unabated. Investigative agencies are being continuously used as tools to harass, intimidate, and bully political opponents. Discrimination is being meted out against non-BJP governments. Prices of essential goods are rising relentlessly, and the economic environment is extremely negative”.

“The pace of new investments needed to create new jobs is simply not happening at that required pace. Private monopolies are growing in many sectors, and the future of MSMEs is in serious crisis. Due to the complete mismanagement of the examination system, the hopes and aspirations of lakhs of our youth are being betrayed. Atrocities against the weaker sections of society, especially in BJP-ruled states, continue unabated. Our foreign policy has been completely compromised, and those traditional values that India has long staunchly supported have not been upheld,” Kharge had said.

The united opposition’s strong counter to the SIR process shows that despite misgvings within the bloc the parties could come together on specific issues to challenge the BJP. (ANI)