INDIA bloc leaders to stay in Delhi for ‘other options’ if seat count falls short of expectations: Report

India's main opposition party Congress has called for all senior leaders of the INDIA alliance to remain in Delhi until the night of June 4 or the morning of June 5, reports said quoting sources from within the party adding that the instructions included that should the seat count fall short of expectations, "other options including demonstration/press conference/meeting with the President will be discussed where questions can be raised on the role of the Election Commission."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed support for this call, ANI news agency's Congress sources revealed. According to said sources cited by the agency, a meeting will be held post-election results to assess the situation.

The voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections concluded on June 1 with vote counting scheduled for Tuesday (June 4).

In a related development, Congress President Mallikarjun Khargewrote an open letter to the country's bureaucracy on Monday, the eve of counting of votes,and urged officers to adhere to the Constitution and serve the nation "without fear, favour and ill-will against anybody".

He also commended the Election Commission, police, Central Armed Forces, District Collectors and volunteers for their roles in the election process.

"Do not get intimidated by anyone. Do not bow down to any unconstitutional means. Do not be afraid of anyone and discharge your duties, based on merit, on this counting day," he wrote.

"We owe it to future generations, a vibrant Democracy and a long-lasting Constitution, as penned by the makers of modern India," he said.

Kharge also urged all bureaucrats to uphold the Constitution and perform their duties impartially.

"Fear no one. Do not succumb to any unconstitutional methods," Kharge wrote.

'Independence of institutions'

Kharge also stressed on the importance of maintaining the independence of institutions, referencing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of civil servants as the "steel frame of India."

"In this spirit, we expect every bureaucrat and official to discharge his duties without any pressure, threat, or coercion of any kind from the ruling party or opposition," Kharge stated.

This call to action follows accusations by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who alleged that Home Minister Amit Shah had been intimidating district magistrates and collectors.

"This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is," Ramesh wrote on social media. "Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch," Ramesh wrote earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)