Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi booked for forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan
Synopsis
Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and INDIA bloc MPs after they allegedly forced entry into Akashvani Bhawan during a protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls — a confrontation that ended with the Gandhi siblings' detention and release, and now carries serious legal consequences.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi , Priyanka Gandhi Vadra , and other INDIA bloc MPs on 7 October 2026 .
The complaint relates to the alleged forcible entry into Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi .
Rahul Gandhi and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee were seen climbing over a police barricade during the protest.
Both Gandhi siblings were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday and released hours later.
The protest centred on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring of the PPCC and Congress MP Deepender Hooda were also present at the demonstration.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other INDIA bloc MPs for allegedly forcibly entering the Akashvani Bhawan premises in New Delhi, officials confirmed on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The complaint was filed following a high-voltage opposition protest centred on demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
How the Protest Unfolded
On Tuesday, the Gandhi siblings led a march of INDIA bloc legislators toward the Election Commission of India office. Police intercepted the procession near Parliament Street, close to Akashvani Bhawan and the NITI Aayog office, preventing the group from advancing further.
Undeterred, the leaders sat on the road and continued their agitation. Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee were subsequently seen climbing over a police barricade. The Congress leaders then entered the Akashvani Bhawan premises through the reception gate despite police attempts to stop them. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Congress MP Deepender Hooda were later seen seated under a tree inside the compound.
Detention and Release
Delhi Police detained the Gandhi siblings along with several other INDIA bloc leaders during the course of the protest. All were released hours later, officials said. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the outgoing chief of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), was also present alongside Rahul Gandhi as officers urged protesters to disperse.
Police had earlier warned that a sit-in through the night at Akashvani Bhawan would not be permitted, and those who refused to vacate the premises would face detention.
The Core Demand: CEC Resignation and Electoral Roll Revision
The protest was primarily directed at the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process that opposition parties allege is being conducted in a partisan manner. Alongside the SIR concerns, the bloc has demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, arguing his continuation undermines the neutrality of the election process. The Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies maintain that the electoral roll revision, if left unchecked, could disenfranchise millions of voters.
What Happens Next
With an FIR now registered, the Gandhi siblings and other named MPs could face legal proceedings, adding a judicial dimension to what began as a political demonstration. The opposition is expected to continue pressing its demand for Kumar's removal, and the matter may be raised in Parliament. Legal observers note that the outcome of the FIR will be closely watched given the seniority of those named in the complaint.
Point of View
Not some minor grievance, gives the confrontation a constitutional weight that goes beyond a public order dispute. Historically, similar FIRs against opposition leaders in India have rarely reached conviction, but they do succeed in shifting the narrative from the original grievance — here, a credible question about the SIR process and the CEC's independence — to the conduct of the protesters. The risk for the opposition is that the barricade-climbing footage eclipses the substantive case it was trying to make.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi booked by Delhi Police?
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other INDIA bloc MPs for allegedly forcibly entering the Akashvani Bhawan premises on 7 October 2026 despite being stopped by officers. The entry followed a protest march toward the Election Commission office that police had blocked.
What was the INDIA bloc protesting about?
The opposition protest was focused on two demands: an end to, or scrutiny of, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which opposition parties allege is being conducted unfairly, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Were Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi arrested?
The Gandhi siblings were detained by Delhi Police during the protest on Tuesday and were released hours later. A separate FIR has since been registered against them and other INDIA bloc MPs for the alleged forcible entry into Akashvani Bhawan.
Who else was named or present in the FIR-related incident?
Besides Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MP Deepender Hooda and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee were present during the incident. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, outgoing PPCC chief, was also seen alongside the protesters.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision is a process by which the Election Commission updates and revises voter registration lists. Opposition parties allege the current SIR exercise is being conducted in a manner that could disenfranchise voters, and have demanded oversight and a change in leadership at the Election Commission.
