New Delhi, Oct 7: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday after opposition leaders staged a sit-in near Shangri-La Hotel in central Delhi.
The opposition leaders were on their way to Jantar Mantar to hold a protest against the Election Commission. Police stopped their buses from proceeding further, following which Rahul Gandhi and other MPs staged a sit-in at a nearby roundabout.
Priyanka Gandhi, along with several women leaders, sat on the road while holding a copy of the Constitution.
A large number of security personnel arrived at the protest site. Police personnel then forcibly removed Rahul Gandhi from the spot and took him to a police bus.
Visuals showed security personnel carrying Rahul Gandhi on their shoulders and placing him inside the bus. Some Congress leaders climbed on top of the bus, while Mumtaz Patel was seen sitting on its bonnet.
Priyanka Gandhi Also Detained
A large group of women police personnel later moved towards Priyanka Gandhi and other women protesters who were sitting on the road. They were removed from the protest site and taken away in buses.
Speaking during the protest, Priyanka Gandhi alleged that opposition MPs were being manhandled by the police.
“This is how they treat members of Parliament who are asking simply to meet the election commissioners,” she said.
She also alleged that police personnel had scratched her and thrown protesters to the ground.
Opposition MPs Headed to Jantar Mantar
Earlier, opposition MPs had held a lunch meeting at a restaurant in central Delhi. They later left for Jantar Mantar in buses to stage a protest against the Election Commission.
Several other opposition MPs were also detained after police prevented them from reaching the protest venue.
The protest is part of the Opposition’s continuing campaign against the Election Commission and its handling of electoral issues.
Congress Reacts to Rahul Gandhi’s Detention
The Congress later shared a post claiming that the bus carrying Rahul Gandhi was punctured by party workers near Agrasen Ki Baoli.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also shared photographs and videos of Rahul Gandhi’s detention. He accused the government of using force against opposition leaders.
Kharge said the Congress and opposition parties were prepared to take to the streets, face arrests and legal action to defend the Constitution and democracy.
He also alleged an alliance between the Modi government and the Election Commission and called for resignations and action.
Jairam Ramesh Condemns Police Action
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticised the detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other opposition leaders.
He said the INDIA bloc leaders were only attempting to reach Jantar Mantar to register their protest over what they described as the capture of the electoral system.
Ramesh accused the government and police of showing “contempt” for the Constitution and democracy.
He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s newly announced slogan, “We Will Do It,” while criticising the government’s handling of the protest.
Opposition Protest Escalates
The detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other opposition leaders marks another escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the Election Commission.
The opposition parties have been demanding greater accountability from the poll panel and raising concerns over electoral processes. Congress leaders said they would continue their protests despite police action and detentions.
