Rahul Gandhi Detained Again as Opposition Protests Demand CEC Resignation

In a significant development, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were once again detained by Delhi Police amid ongoing protests by the Opposition at Jantar Mantar. The protests, which have escalated over the last two days, focus on demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This marks the third instance in less than 48 hours that Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been taken into custody.

Eyewitness accounts and viral footage reveal that moments before the police intervened, they resorted to lathi-charge against members of the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students’ Union of India, both affiliated with the Congress party. Demonstrators included several opposition MPs, many of whom lay down on the road in defiance during the police action. This scene underscores the rising tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition as they clash over issues concerning electoral integrity.

The protests have been ignited by allegations surrounding the Chief Election Commission, with the Opposition accusing the body of bias and failure to uphold democratic principles. The political atmosphere remains charged as the Congress party seeks to mobilize public support against what they characterize as an undermining of electoral processes by the current government.

In a separate but equally impactful news, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a raise in the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%, marking the first increase in nearly four years. The Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to shift its stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘calibrated tightening’ indicates a strong focus on controlling inflation. This move has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among economists and financial analysts, especially given the global economic uncertainties.

The RBI has also revised its growth forecast for the current fiscal year, projecting real GDP growth at 7.1%, an increase from the previous 6.7% estimate made in August. This adjustment reflects the central bank’s confidence in the resilience of the Indian economy despite external challenges. As the country grapples with inflationary pressures, the RBI’s monetary policy adjustments are crucial in steering India toward sustainable economic growth.

Source: scroll.in