New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) On Monday, the Delhi Police took action against leaders from the INDIA bloc, detaining prominent figures including the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alongside Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Trinamool Congress' Sagarika Ghose, and Shiv Sena (UBT's) Sanjay Raut, among others, as they made their way to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

These leaders, comprising Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party (SP) head Akhilesh Yadav, and Priyanka Gandhi, initiated a protest march from Parliament to the ECI headquarters. The demonstration aimed to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, while raising serious allegations of vote theft during last year's Lok Sabha elections.

During the protest, Akhilesh Yadav was notably seen leaping over a police barricade as the Delhi Police attempted to halt the progress of the Opposition MPs.

As tensions escalated, numerous protestors were detained while attempting to break through police barricades leading to the ECI.

After being detained, Rahul Gandhi addressed reporters, stating, "The ECI cannot communicate, and this is the stark reality. The truth stands before the nation. This protest march transcends politics; it is a battle to defend the Constitution; it advocates for 'One man, one vote'. We demand a transparent and accurate voter list."

Prior to the march, Yadav expressed, "This isn’t the first instance of scrutiny directed at the Election Commission. Complaints have been made previously, especially during the UP by-elections. Police personnel, disguised in civilian clothing, were present at polling stations to manipulate the voting in favor of the BJP... Votes were unlawfully taken during the Milkipur by-elections."

He further questioned the ECI's lack of action against those implicated in electoral fraud, stating, "Why has the Election Commission failed to act against responsible officials? We are relieved that the Congress is in power in Karnataka. Had we been in control in UP, we would have held ECI officers accountable. We trust the Congress will take action against corrupt officers in Karnataka."

Congress MP Manickam Tagore remarked to IANS, "We sought a parliamentary discussion regarding vote theft, but it was denied. Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of Opposition, prepared a comprehensive presentation on this issue, yet the government obstructs it from being discussed in the House."

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari articulated that the protest march aimed to "defend democracy" and "demand answers to the five points raised by Rahul Gandhi".

"Following Mahatma Gandhi's teachings, we will march towards the ECI peacefully and with patience. We have complete faith that the Election Commission will awaken to its responsibilities and uphold democracy and the Constitution," he conveyed to IANS earlier.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the ECI of colluding with the BJP during elections, asserting that the Opposition is advocating for the "rights of the people."

In her comments to IANS, Chaturvedi stated, "The Constitution guarantees everyone the right to vote, yet this is being compromised due to the collusion between the ECI and the BJP. This is a disheartening situation for our nation. They were obligated to provide us with time for a meeting."

She emphasized, "The concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi are significant. He has presented undeniable facts in the media. Previously, the ECI requested proof; once provided, they now demand an affidavit. Why is this necessary? Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition and has presented evidence from the ECI's own electoral roll, so why the need for an affidavit?"

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather asserted that the march of 300 Opposition MPs towards the ECI signifies "the seriousness of the issue".

"We have persistently raised this matter, utilizing various forms of protest both inside and outside Parliament to call for a discussion on SIR. Now, Rahul Gandhi has clearly and thoroughly articulated vital issues during a press conference. However, instead of responding, the ECI is adopting an unusual stance. We are here to reaffirm that the INDIA bloc is dedicated to preserving democracy," she stated to IANS.

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav declared, "It is necessary to wage a battle against these individuals. The Election Commission poses a threat to democracy and the Constitution. The Lok Sabha should be entirely dissolved, and the Supreme Court should summon the ECI to hold it accountable."

SP MP Rajeev Kumar Rai remarked that the Opposition "cannot be passive observers while democracy is being undermined, votes are being stolen, and our voices go unheard in Parliament."