New Delhi: The Delhi Police have formally lodged an FIR against senior Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several other opposition personalities, following Tuesday’s demonstration near the Election Commission’s headquarters.
Why the Protest Was Mounted
The demonstration was organised by the INDIA alliance to demand a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls and to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Approximately 200 Members of Parliament set out from the Parliament precinct with the intention of reaching the Election Commission office.
Police Action at Akashvani Bhawan
After marching roughly 700 metres along Parliament Street, the rally was stopped by law‑enforcement officials. Authorities said the protesters did not possess permission to enter the government complex.
Undeterred, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders either climbed over or circumvented the police barricades, proceeding onto the Akashvani Bhawan grounds where they began a sit‑in.
Detention and Evening Release
Police repeatedly urged the group to vacate the premises, but the leaders insisted on meeting Election Commission officials. After several hours inside the building, Delhi police moved in and cleared the protesters.
Alongside the Gandhis, Congress figures such as K.C. Venugopal, Deepender Hooda and Pawan Khera were taken into custody, as were a number of MPs and party workers. The detainees were transferred to the New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp and were released later that night.
FIR Filing and Ongoing Investigation
The FIR was lodged at the Parliament Street Police Station, charging the accused with unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhawan complex. Investigators are now probing the actions of all individuals named in the complaint.
This incident adds another chapter to the mounting clash between the opposition and the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral‑roll revision process. Both sides remain entrenched, while security agencies continue to keep a close watch on central Delhi.
