INDIA Bloc Leaders Detained Amidst "Vote Chori" Protest at ECI Headquarters

The political landscape in Delhi was charged today as leaders from the INDIA bloc, including prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were detained during a major protest against alleged “vote chori” and irregularities surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The march, aimed at the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters, Nirvachan Sadan, saw heavy security deployment and barricading across the city.

The protest escalated when Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was forcibly removed from a sit-in against “vote chori” at Akashvani Bhawan and subsequently detained. He later took to X, asserting, “There will be accountability -- not a single traitor will be spared,” following his detention and transport to Kingsway Camp police lines.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed strong condemnation, stating that Mr.

Gandhi was peacefully protesting to demand a meeting with the EC, which he affirmed as a constitutional right.

Kharge questioned the Delhi Police's actions, which he claimed are controlled by Amit Shah, raising “serious questions about the Constitution and democratic rights.” He further suggested that the “nervousness” of the Prime Minister and Home Minister was palpable.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also detained alongside her brother, criticized the government, remarking to reporters,

The nation has never seen a coward government like this.... Is this a way? Staging a protest is our right.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, echoed these sentiments on X, labeling the situation as the “Murder of Democracy in India.” He highlighted that the simple demand of the protest was a meeting with the ECI. Ramesh accused the Delhi Police, controlled by what he called a “co-conspirator,” of arresting leaders, seeing it as a sign of a regime aware of its impending “exit.” He also attacked the BJP for defending the EC, alleging collusion and calling their defense “rock-solid proof.”

The INDIA bloc's campaign against “vote chori” also aims to re-enroll voters whose names were allegedly deleted from lists. The incident underscores a significant escalation in political tensions and opposition to the Election Commission's recent decisions. Traffic regulations and diversions were in place in areas like Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, and Parliament Street, indicating the scale of the security preparations for the anticipated march.

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