Rahul Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi detained became the focus of political developments in Delhi as the Congress leaders joined an INDIA bloc protest seeking to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Several opposition MPs and party leaders were also detained during the demonstration.
The protest followed an opposition strategy meeting and centred on demands for the delegation to meet the Election Commission. According to the Election Commission’s account, a delegation led by Rahul Gandhi sought to meet the poll body and submit a memorandum. The Commission said political parties are required to follow a procedure for seeking such meetings.
Protest near Jantar Mantar
The demonstration took place near Jantar Mantar, where opposition leaders gathered before being taken into police custody.
Delhi Police cited restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and said demonstrations at Jantar Mantar require prior permission. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, maintained that peaceful protest is part of their democratic rights.
Priyanka Gandhi was seen holding a copy of the Constitution while inside a police bus following her detention. Rahul Gandhi also resisted being taken into a transport vehicle before eventually being escorted away.
Several buses carrying detained MPs and party workers were moved towards police holding facilities in the Janpath area.
Election Commission responds to meeting claim
The protest came amid an ongoing political dispute involving opposition parties and the Election Commission.
In its clarification, the Election Commission said that, until 4 pm on October 6, no political party had formally sought an appointment with the Commission through its authorised representatives. It said that around 4 pm, Delhi Police informed it that a delegation led by Rahul Gandhi wanted to meet the Commission and submit a memorandum.
The Commission also pointed to a meeting procedure established in 2025 for political parties and said parties had been informed about the process.
The opposition’s protest and the Commission’s response therefore present two different aspects of the dispute: opposition leaders focused on their demand to meet the poll body, while the Commission highlighted its established procedure for political delegations.
The detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other opposition leaders adds another chapter to the ongoing political confrontation over the Election Commission and its functioning.
Relevant official source: Election Commission of India
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