Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several other INDIA bloc leaders were released shortly after 8 pm on Wednesday, 7 October, hours after Delhi Police detained them during a march towards Jantar Mantar to protest against the Election Commission and demand the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, officials said.

How the Detention Unfolded

The Opposition leaders were travelling by bus when police stopped them near a hotel in central Delhi. Prevented from proceeding to Jantar Mantar, the leaders staged a sit-in at a nearby roundabout. Police personnel then removed Rahul Gandhi from the spot, carrying him on their shoulders amid resistance from protesters and placing him inside a police bus. He was subsequently taken to Barakhamba Road police station.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other leaders were detained separately and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium. Congress leaders Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Udai Bhanu Chib climbed onto the police bus during the commotion, while Mumtaz Patel sat on its bonnet. A large contingent of women police personnel later removed Priyanka Gandhi and other women protesters from the road.

Priyanka Gandhi Lies on Road, Holds Constitution

During the protest, Priyanka Gandhi lay on the road alongside several women leaders, holding a copy of the Constitution. A large number of security personnel were deployed at the location. She alleged that protesters were being treated improperly and that the group was seeking only an opportunity to meet the Election Commissioner. She further alleged that security personnel had scratched and pushed the protesting MPs.

Opposition Allegations of Police Excess

Congress MP Imran Masood alleged that police resorted to a lathi charge during the operation. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said the Opposition would continue to raise its voice until it received answers. Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticised the detention of MPs and questioned whether staging a sit-in or a march in a public place was illegal.

Context: Escalating Confrontation Over the CEC

The protest came a day after Rahul Gandhi staged an over nine-hour sit-in at Akashvani Bhavan, following which an FIR was registered against him. Before Wednesday's demonstration, Gandhi referred to the FIR and noted he already had 45 cases against him, adding that his 'goal is to have 100 FIRs.' This marks a sharp escalation in the Opposition's campaign against the Election Commission, with the INDIA bloc using sustained street action to press for the CEC's removal. All detained leaders were released after several hours, and the standoff is expected to intensify as Parliament's winter session approaches.