Tensions escalated in the national capital on Tuesday as Delhi Police detained Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal, along with several other INDIA bloc leaders, during an Opposition march towards the Election Commission of India headquarters.
The protesters were stopped near the NITI Aayog office, where police had erected heavy barricades to prevent the MPs from proceeding towards Nirvachan Sadan. The march was organised to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and to protest against the Election Commission's handling of electoral-roll revisions, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Rahul Gandhi climbs barricade as march is stopped
The confrontation intensified after Opposition MPs reached the barricades. Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee climbed over heavy police barriers, while several other MPs joined the sit-in on the road.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule were among the leaders participating in the demonstration. Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and other Opposition lawmakers were also seen at the barricades as police prevented the march from advancing towards the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi later directly targeted the Chief Election Commissioner in a post on X, writing: “Gyanesh, it’s done, bro. Time to resign.”
Opposition raises ‘Save Democracy’ pitch
The protest forms part of the INDIA bloc's wider campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and its demand for greater transparency from the Election Commission.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of threatening rights that citizens acquired after Independence. Speaking during the mobilisation, Kharge said, “Today, the Modi government is trying to snatch away those rights.”
Kharge argued that protecting voting rights was central to preserving democratic institutions.
“If we have a vote, democracy will be saved. If our democracy is saved, then everyone’s rights will be protected. The Constitution will also be protected,” he said.
The Opposition has been particularly critical of the SIR exercise, alleging that changes to electoral rolls could affect eligible voters. The parties have sought greater transparency in the process and have made the CEC's resignation one of their central demands.
Leaders detained after road blockade
After police stopped the march, the Opposition MPs staged a sit-in on the road. Several leaders were subsequently taken into custody.
The detentions included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal and other INDIA bloc leaders. Rahul Gandhi was also detained after the standoff, according to reports.
The incident came amid heightened security across central Delhi, with barricades deployed around Parliament, Parliament Street and the Election Commission headquarters.
The Opposition's march has consequently turned the SIR controversy into a larger political confrontation over electoral rolls, voting rights and the independence and credibility of the Election Commission.
