A sharp confrontation between opposition leaders and security forces broke out on the streets of the national capital on Wednesday as lawmakers marched in protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The joint agitation, driven by Congress and several allied opposition parties over the disputed SIR matter, aimed to reach Jantar Mantar before heavy police deployments halted the marchers. Amid the escalating stand-off, Congress member of parliament Priyanka Gandhi sat down and then lay flat on the road, refusing to budge and accusing law enforcement of mistreating elected representatives. Within minutes, police intervened to take both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi into custody, whisking them away from the demonstration spot in official vehicles.
Standoff Near Jantar Mantar as Barricades Block March
Opposition parliamentarians had boarded dedicated buses to proceed collectively toward Jantar Mantar. Anticipating the gathering, the police had reinforced security checkpoints and erected extensive barricades along the route. Finding their path completely sealed prior to the landmark, the MPs disembarked and launched an impromptu sit-in directly on the asphalt. The standoff intensified when Priyanka Gandhi stretched out onto the road surface, insisting she would not retreat and demanding security personnel step back. Facing widespread obstruction, police personnel moved in to lift the blockade, taking Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi into custody alongside other demonstrating leaders.
Priyanka Gandhi Levels Accusations of Physical Roughness
Speaking from the pavement during the protest, Priyanka Gandhi voiced deep anger at the treatment meted out to elected lawmakers trying to register a grievance with the electoral authority. She argued that representatives seeking a meeting with the commissioner should never face physical restraint. Detailing the physical scuffle, she alleged that personnel had shoved demonstrators to the ground and caused visible injuries. Pointing out the excessive force on display, she insisted that the deployment step aside, stating, "The police scratched me in multiple places."
Rahul Gandhi Demands CEC Resignation Amid Legal Warnings
Addressing the gathering during the agitation, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must tender his resignation immediately. Addressing threats of official cases and legal penalties, he asserted that no amount of administrative pressure would deter him from opposing the subversion of democratic structures. Defiantly welcoming state scrutiny, he declared, "Even if 100 FIRs are filed against me, they are medals for me." He argued that those responsible for dismantling democratic norms will eventually be held accountable for their actions.
Samajwadi Party Leadership Absent After Previous Day Joint March
The Wednesday protest also drew political scrutiny due to the absence of key allies, most notably Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Only a day earlier on Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav had walked alongside Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi during an initial demonstration directed at the Election Commission, with Samajwadi Party MPs participating visibly. By Wednesday, however, Akhilesh Yadav had already traveled back to Lucknow, leaving his party unrepresented by top leadership during the latest roadway protest. In response to questions regarding the fractured appearance, Congress clarified that an alliance-wide lunch had been called on short notice the previous night, preventing several partner parties from adjusting travel plans in time.
