Black Day For Democracy’: Congress Slams MP Detentions, Announces Fresh Protest Tomorrow

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday after three buses carrying INDIA bloc leaders to Jantar Mantar were stopped during a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The buses were halted at the Janpath-Ashoka Road intersection as police moved to prevent the Opposition leaders from reaching Jantar Mantar. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, along with other leaders, stepped out of the buses.

Rahul Gandhi was subsequently taken into a police van, while protesters were seen climbing onto the vehicle. Priyanka Gandhi, accompanied by several women protesters, sat down on the road holding copies of the Constitution. Women police personnel later removed her from the spot.

The detained leaders were taken to different locations. Rahul Gandhi was taken to the Barakhamba Road police station, while Priyanka Gandhi and several others were detained at Chhatrasal Stadium. Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were released shortly after 8 pm, according to reports.

INDIA Bloc Leaders Meet At Lunch Before Protest

The latest protest came after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted a lunch for Opposition leaders at Sagar Ratna in Janpath. Following the meeting, INDIA bloc leaders decided to proceed towards Jantar Mantar to stage a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner.

The three buses carrying the lawmakers were later stopped by Delhi Police before they could reach the protest venue.

FIR Against Rahul, Priyanka Over Akashvani Bhavan Protest

The development came a day after Delhi Police registered an FIR following a complaint alleging that Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other MPs and people accompanying them, entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises during Tuesday’s Opposition protest against Gyanesh Kumar.

On Tuesday, several INDIA bloc MPs had marched towards the Election Commission of India in Delhi, demanding the CEC’s removal. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Pawan Khera were among those detained after staging a sit-in at Akashvani Bhavan.

The Opposition has been demanding the CEC’s resignation over alleged irregularities in decisions taken by the poll panel, particularly the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The issue has remained a major political flashpoint since the SIR exercise began in Bihar and was subsequently expanded.

Student organisations and activists have also organised protests and marches demanding action against the Election Commission.

ECI Says No Party Sought Meeting Before 4 PM

Amid Tuesday’s protest, the Election Commission said no political party had formally sought an appointment with the poll panel through its authorised representatives until 4 pm.

According to the ECI, it was informed by Delhi Police at around 4 pm that a delegation of MPs led by Rahul Gandhi wanted to meet the Commission and submit a memorandum. The poll panel said its established procedure requires political parties or joint delegations to seek appointments through authorised representatives.

The ECI also said meetings with political delegations are conducted at its premises under the procedure laid down in 2025.

‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’: CJP Announces October 10 Protest

Meanwhile, political pressure group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced another agitation at Jantar Mantar on October 10 against the CEC.

CJP co-convener Saurav submitted a notice at Delhi’s Parliament Street police station on Wednesday, informing police about the planned October 10 protest. He said the organisation expected a large crowd and had informed authorities accordingly.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, October 6, Dipke alleged that the government’s “One Nation, One Election” slogan could ultimately lead to “one nation, one political party.” He also alleged that Maharashtra Police had issued notices to CJP protesters, discouraging them from travelling to Delhi for the demonstration.

Dipke claimed that Chandrapur police had questioned CJP workers about their travel funding and warned that the proposed agitation could turn violent. He questioned how authorities could anticipate violence before the protest had taken place.

The CJP has said it intends to proceed with its October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar.