Opposition Leaders Detained During Protest

In a dramatic turn of events, senior opposition leaders, including Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, were detained by Delhi Police on Monday morning. The detentions occurred as these leaders took to the streets of central Delhi to protest against what they allege is the Election Commission’s collusion with the ruling BJP. The protest, which was initially intended to be a peaceful march to the Election Commission’s office, quickly escalated when more than 200 opposition MPs joined, exceeding the permitted number of 30.

Rahul Gandhi’s Stand on Constitutional Rights

As he was being taken away by police, Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the protest was not merely political but a fight to uphold the Constitution and ensure the principle of ‘one person, one vote’. He asserted that the truth about the alleged voter fraud is evident to the nation and criticized the authorities for their inability to address these concerns openly.

Police Response and Security Measures

Joint Commissioner of Police Deepak Purohit confirmed the detentions but refrained from specifying numbers. He explained that the protest lacked police permission for such a large gathering. Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla added that measures were taken to prevent any law-and-order issues, leading to the detention of those attempting to breach barricades.

Visuals from the Protest Site

The protest site outside Parliament was a scene of high tension, with politicians and party workers waving placards and chanting slogans. Notably, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was seen climbing over police barricades in defiance. The situation intensified further when two Trinamool Congress MPs reportedly fainted during the commotion.

Allegations of Voter Fraud

The opposition’s grievances stem from allegations of voter list manipulation by the Election Commission to favor BJP victories. These claims have been particularly vocal since last year’s Maharashtra election and have extended to other regions like Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront, demanding transparency from the poll panel and challenging its procedures in court.

Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

The controversy has reached the Supreme Court, where petitioners argue that recent voter list revisions exceed legal authority and could disenfranchise voters. Although the court allowed these revisions to proceed, it mandated safeguards to ensure genuine voters are not excluded.

Election Commission’s Defense

The Election Commission has strongly refuted these allegations, maintaining that its processes are transparent and aimed at ensuring fair elections. It has demanded that Rahul Gandhi substantiate his claims with evidence under oath.