Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were detained by Delhi Police after staging a dharna at Akashvani Bhawan following a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Detention of Congress Leaders
The dharna saw the detention of key Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others including MPs Pawan Khera, KC Venugopal, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring by Delhi Police. The protest was held at Akashvani Bhawan where the leaders had gathered to oppose the Election Commission of India’s actions.
Police Presence and Earlier Detentions
New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma was present at the site during the protest. Additionally, several Youth Congress and NSUI leaders, including IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib, were detained earlier outside Akashvani Bhawan by Delhi Police.
Protest Background and Demands
The Congress leaders had organized a sit-in protest after leaders of several INDIA bloc parties were stopped during a march to Nirvachan Sadan. This protest is part of a larger “Save Democracy” campaign by the Opposition which involves various demonstrations against the Election Commission amid disagreements over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls nationwide.
Statements from Congress Leadership
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, one of the leaders participating in the sit-in, asserted that they would not end the protest until their demands were met. He posted on X, “Unmoved. Unfazed. We will not budge until our demands are met. We will not rest until our democracy is saved from the Vote Chors.”
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism and Accusations
Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the Centre during the protest, urging the Election Commissioners to meet opposition leaders and address their concerns about the SIR exercise. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of “hijacking” the country and undermining the electoral process.
Fact Check by PIB
The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit debunked social media claims that the Union Home Ministry had contacted Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to resolve the protest. Despite these claims, Congress leaders have communicated they will continue the dharna until allowed to meet the Election Commissioners.
PIB Fact Check advised the public to “not fall for misleading claims or unverified information” and to rely only on verified sources.
