1 hr ago
Congress Leads Defiant Opposition Protest After Jantar Mantar Access Denied
Opposition politicians and students gathered in Delhi to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
They wanted to use a protest area near Jantar Mantar, but police barricades stopped them from reaching it.
The group continued through the streets, where people watched and some joined in.
Police later detained several protesters, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Some people tore down or burned BJP banners, although Congress leaders said the protest was about the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi said the protest was about defending democracy.
The Congress said it would hold protests across India on Thursday.
Opposition parties were also waiting to learn whether the President would meet a delegation.
INDIA bloc MPs headed toward Jantar Mantar Road to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, but police barricades blocked access.
Police diverted the group, and its journey through central Delhi became a roadshow drawing supporters and onlookers.
At a barricade on Ashoka Road, police detained protesters, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
Some rally participants tore down or burned BJP banners, while Congress leaders urged them to focus on the Election Commission protest.
The Congress announced a nationwide “Black Day” for Thursday; INDIA parties also sought a meeting with the President.
- Who
- INDIA bloc politicians and supporters, including Congress leaders, students and Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
- What
- They protested against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and were blocked from reaching the designated protest site; several were detained.
- Where
- Central Delhi, including the route toward Jantar Mantar Road and a barricade on Ashoka Road.
- When
- Wednesday; the Congress announced further protests for Thursday.
- Why
- The opposition was protesting against Gyanesh Kumar and said its actions were in defence of democracy.
Key facts
- Protest location sought
- Jantar Mantar Road
- Protest target
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Roadshow duration
- About two hours
- Detention locations
- Chhatrasaal Stadium and Barakhamba Road police station
- Next announced action
- Congress called for a nationwide “Black Day” on Thursday.
- Requested presidential delegation
- INDIA parties agreed to send 10 representatives, down from 17, if granted an appointment.
Quotes
Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader who posted the statement on X after his release.
“I am thankful to every INDIA alliance MP standing firm in defence of our democracy — in Parliament, outside on the streets, and today near Jantar Mantar. They can stop a march. They can refuse a meeting. But they cannot stop the will of our people. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Gyanesh Kumar and the entire system will be brought to justice.”
telegraphindia.com
Gara Zirzom
Delhi University student from Arunachal Pradesh who attended the protest.
“I thought Neha will come, but I am staying here even if she is not here.... Unlike many people in my state, our generation is politicised. What the government is doing is hurting democracy. Even though I am not a Congress supporter, I think it’s important to be here to show that we care for our country.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
Rahul and Priyanka Detained as Opposition Protests Election Chief
INDIA Bloc March to Election Commission Halted Amid Standoff
Rahul Gandhi Waves Tricolour During INDIA Bloc Election Protest
Opposition Protests Against Election Chief, Lawmakers Detained
Rahul Gandhi Detained as Opposition Protest Escalates Over Voter Rolls
Opposition MPs Head to Jantar Mantar to Demand CEC’s Resignation
Delhi Prepares G20-Scale Security for October 10 Protest
INDIA Bloc Plans Larger Delhi Protest With Mamata Banerjee
Kamal Haasan Urges CEC to Meet Opposition MPs
Telangana Congress MPs Arrested Alongside Rahul Gandhi During Protest
