Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Over 200 Leaders Detained During Opposition March Against Election Commission in Delhi. All Leaders Were Later Released. Opposition Parties Protested Voter List During Demonstration.
SIR Protest: The protest against the Election Commission, which started in Bihar, has now reached Delhi. During the Parliament's monsoon session, opposition parties opened a front against the Election Commission and marched on the streets of the capital. During this demonstration, Delhi Police detained over 200 people, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and several other leaders. All the leaders were later released.
Opposition's March: From Parliament to Election Commission
The opposition's march started from the Makar Dwar (entrance) of Parliament and proceeded to the Election Commission headquarters. This march was against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which has been implemented in Bihar. The opposition alleges that under this process, many people's names have been removed from the voter list, which could lead to vote theft in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Rahul, Priyanka, and Several Other Leaders Detained
During the march, Delhi Police detained Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, and several other opposition leaders. Delhi Police stated that this was necessary to maintain law and order. The detained leaders were kept in nearby police stations, from where they were later released.
After his detention, Rahul Gandhi said that this fight is not political but constitutional. He clearly stated that the country needs a clean and fair voter list so that democracy can be strengthened.
TMC MP Mitali Bag Falls Ill
During the opposition's demonstration, Trinamool Congress MP Mitali Bag suddenly fainted. Similarly, MP Mahua Moitra also fell ill. At this time, Rahul Gandhi immediately helped her and got her admitted to the hospital. This incident occurred amidst the tension and crowd of the demonstration, further increasing the seriousness of the protest.
Akhilesh Yadav Jumps Barricade to Join March
Security was heightened throughout the route for the opposition's march. Barricades were installed in many places. However, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav jumped over a barricade and proceeded forward. This action of his went viral on social media, and later, the police also detained him. This incident reflects the opposition's determination.
Police Security Arrangements and the Legal Aspect of the Protest
Delhi Police stated that no permission was given for this demonstration. The Supreme Court had suggested going to Jantar Mantar for sit-ins and demonstrations, but the opposition decided to march from Parliament to the Election Commission. The police also said that all the detained leaders would be released soon.
Major Complaint of the Opposition Against the Election Commission
The opposition alleges that the Election Commission in Bihar has removed many people from the voter list in the name of Special Intensive Revision. This has increased the possibility of 'vote theft' in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The opposition wants the Election Commission to adopt a fair and transparent process so that democracy can be protected.
Other Prominent Leaders Involved in the March
Apart from Congress, many MPs and leaders from SP, BSP, Trinamool Congress, and other opposition parties participated in this march. Several senior leaders, including Dimple Yadav, also participated in this protest. This step by the opposition alliance is being considered a strategy to increase political pressure, keeping the upcoming elections in mind.
The Election Commission headquarters is approximately one and a half kilometers away from Parliament. The opposition MPs marched through Kartavya Path and Raisina Road. This route passes through the major government and administrative buildings of New Delhi, so strict security arrangements were made.
