Referring to the statements from the government and Chair in both Houses that the functioning of the Election Commission of India cannot be discussed in Parliament as it is an independent constitutional body, Kharge said everything under the sun can be discussed. 

“We want to have an opportunity to discuss it… They are in a way trying to cast doubt on the citizenship of individuals,” he said. 

Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose said they will continue protests inside and outside Parliament over the SIR issue, and also raise concerns over “attacks” on Bengali-speaking people in BJP ruled states. 

She said a march will be taken out to the EC office on 11 August by the INDIA bloc parties. 

The joint press conference was attended by leaders from different INDIA bloc parties, including DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, CPI(M)’s John Brittas, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, among others.