Rahul Detained During Opposition Protest Against India’s Election Body

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Gandhi was participating in a protest rally organised by the opposition alliance INDIA in New Delhi. Demonstrators were marching from Parliament towards the Election Commission’s office when a heavy police presence stopped them on the way.

Gandhi stood near a police barricade and waved the Indian national flag. Police briefly detained him along with several other opposition lawmakers before releasing them.

Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the revision of voter lists, claiming that the process could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Demonstrators called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Congress and other opposition parties have also accused the Election Commission of functioning under government pressure. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said at the start of the protest that the commission had become a “puppet” of the government and that the opposition was fighting to protect democracy.

The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, saying the revision of voter lists is aimed at ensuring the accuracy and transparency of electoral rolls. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Security was tightened across New Delhi during the protest, with large numbers of police and paramilitary personnel deployed. Barricades were erected and several roads were closed.

The demonstration represents a major political challenge from the opposition during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term in office. Student organisations, political parties and other groups have also held protests against the Election Commission in recent days.

India’s Supreme Court has also agreed to hear legal arguments concerning allegations related to the voter-list revision process and the conduct of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Petitioners have accused the Election Commission of bias, while the court has said it would intervene if any decision is found to be contrary to the law.