Opposition Marches to Election Commission, Rahul Gandhi Detained Amid Calls for CEC Resignation

In a significant display of dissent, Opposition leaders, including prominent Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were briefly detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday as they attempted to march towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters. The demonstration was organized by the INDIA bloc, comprising various parties that have united to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The march originated from the Parliament complex and was aimed at protesting the perceived inefficacy of the Election Commission, particularly regarding the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls. This event comes in the wake of widespread protests across the nation calling for greater accountability from the ECI, with many citizens expressing concerns about its operational integrity.

As the march progressed, police halted the procession approximately 500 meters from its intended destination on Parliament Street, preventing the group from reaching Ashoka Road, where the Election Commission’s office is situated. Following their release from temporary detention, both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were seen inside the All India Radio headquarters, Akashwani Bhawan, adjacent to the ECI, in their attempt to still make their way to the commission’s office.

The gathering saw participation from around 237 Members of Parliament, signifying a substantial show of unity among the opposition parties. Notable figures such as Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, Abhishek Banerjee from the Trinamool Congress, and Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena also joined the march. The event was characterized by placards and vocal chants, with Gandhi himself holding a sign that read, “Gyanesh, it’s done bro!”, which underscored the urgent demand for the CEC’s resignation.

This mobilization reflects a broader sentiment among various factions of the opposition, who are increasingly questioning the Election Commission’s credibility and its ability to oversee free and fair elections. With the political landscape becoming more charged ahead of upcoming elections, this protest not only highlights the current tensions but also sets the stage for intensified political engagement across the country.

Source: scroll.in