Opposition March In Delhi Over Voter List Dispute Halted By Police; Rahul Gandhi & Akhilesh Yadav Detained

Political tensions escalated in the capital on Monday as opposition MPs attempted a march from Parliament’s Makar Dwar to the Election Commission’s office, protesting against alleged large-scale irregularities in the voter list.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of ‘vote theft’, sparking a united front from several parties.

The march, joined by more than 300 MPs, aimed to submit a memorandum directly to the Commission.

However, Delhi Police refused permission for the procession, citing security concerns.

In anticipation of the demonstration, Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in large numbers outside the Election Commission headquarters.

Barricades were erected across key points to stop the protestors. Despite these measures, several MPs climbed over the barricades, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and TMC MPs Sagarika Ghosh and Mahua Moitra.

The atmosphere grew tense as opposition leaders clashed verbally with police officers.

Rahul Gandhi & Akhilesh Yadav Detained

During the march, police detained Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, intensifying the standoff.

Gandhi was stopped mid-route and, joined by fellow MPs, sat down on the road in protest. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also arrived to support the demonstrators before being taken into custody along with several others.

“This is a fight to save the Constitution,” Rahul Gandhi said while being escorted away by police. Priyanka Gandhi accused the government of cowardice, stating, “They are scared.”

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission had invited a 30-member opposition delegation for a meeting at noon, citing space constraints.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh was informed of the limit via official communication. Opposition leaders rejected the restriction, insisting they wished to present their memorandum collectively rather than through a reduced delegation.

Akhilesh Yadav accused the Commission of repeated failures to address credible complaints.

“If allegations are raised, the Election Commission should act. In Uttar Pradesh, votes are being looted, yet the government refuses to listen,” he said, calling for urgent action to protect electoral integrity.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the allegations, suggesting that the opposition’s objections would vanish if they won elections.

Rahul Gandhi has launched an online campaign encouraging citizens to join the fight against alleged electoral malpractice, claiming that safeguarding democracy requires widespread public awareness and participation.

As the day ended, detained leaders were taken to the Parliament Street police station, with the opposition vowing to intensify its protests in the coming days.

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