18 hrs ago
Opposition March to Election Commission Ends in Detentions
Opposition lawmakers gathered in Delhi to march to the Election Commission.
Police stopped them along the way and arranged buses to take some leaders to a police station.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra went to a nearby government building instead.
After a brief disagreement at the gate, they were allowed inside and began sitting in protest.
Some other lawmakers joined them, but most had left by evening.
The Congress asked its MPs to remain in Delhi, suggesting the protest could continue.
The INDIA alliance also plans a large rally on November 1.
Its leaders have asked to meet the President on one of three possible dates in October.
Around 200 INDIA bloc MPs marched toward the Election Commission headquarters from Parliament.
Police stopped the procession near the PTI and RBI buildings, and arranged buses to detain leaders.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra went to Akashvani Bhawan, where they began a sit-in protest around 2 p.m.
By evening, only a handful of MPs remained at the sit-in; Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge told party MPs to stay in Delhi.
The INDIA alliance has booked Ramlila Maidan for a November 1 rally and requested a meeting with the President for October 7, 8 or 9.
- Who
- Around 200 MPs from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Akhilesh Yadav.
- What
- They marched toward the Election Commission headquarters; police stopped the procession, and Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a sit-in protest.
- Where
- The march began at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex and was stopped near the PTI and RBI buildings. The sit-in took place inside the Akashvani Bhawan complex in Delhi.
- When
- The march took place during the day; the sit-in began around 2 p.m. The article also mentions a planned November 1 rally and a requested presidential meeting on October 7, 8 or 9.
- Why
- The march was a protest concerning the Election Commission; placards and remarks by participants alleged that votes were being deleted or that the Commission was discriminating.
Protesters' claims
Election Commission response
Alleged vote deletion and discrimination
Protesters' claims
Protesters used placards and statements alleging that the Election Commission was discriminating and deleting PDA votes, and said the actions were linked to upcoming elections.
Election Commission response
The article does not provide a response from the Election Commission.
Access to Akashvani Bhawan
Protesters' claims
Congress leaders questioned why MPs were being barred from entering a government building.
Election Commission response
The article says the leaders were initially stopped at the gate and later allowed inside, but gives no explanation from officials.
Key facts
- March size
- Around 200 MPs
- Starting point
- Makar Dwar, Parliament complex
- March halted near
- PTI and RBI buildings, after passing Transport Bhawan
- Sit-in location
- Akashvani Bhawan complex
- Sit-in start
- Around 2 p.m.
- Planned rally
- Ramlila Maidan, November 1
- Requested meeting with President
- Tentatively October 7, 8 or 9
Quotes
Jaya Bachchan
Actor and politician, and Rajya Sabha MP
“The banner is correct; they are doing this so that PDA votes get deleted. Everything is being done with an eye on the upcoming elections.”
NDTV
“Gradually, the red scarf, along with the red cap, is becoming a part of our attire.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
INDIA Bloc March to Election Commission Ends at Akashvani Bhawan
INDIA Bloc March to Election Commission Halted Amid Standoff
Gandhi Siblings Move Protest Into Akashvani Premises
Gandhi Siblings' Surprise Sit-In Unsettles INDIA Bloc Allies
Derek O’Brien Praises INDIA Bloc Protest Outside Election Commission
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Detained After Hours-Long SIR Protest
Opposition Marches to Jantar Mantar Over Electoral Roll Revision
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Detained During INDIA Bloc Protest
Opposition MPs Renew Protest, Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Removal
DMK Divided Over Rahul Gandhi’s Election Commission Protest
Opposition MPs Head to Jantar Mantar to Demand CEC’s Resignation
