Rahul Gandhi and opposition MPs detained during volunteers protest at EC office

In New Delhi on Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and over 200 opposition MPs were detained by police during a planned march to the Election Commission office. The demonstration was organised by the INDIA bloc under the slogan "Vote Chori," protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar’s electoral rolls.

Protesters marched from Parliament to the EC premises, accusing the system of manipulating voter data. The term "Vote Chori" referred to alleged voter suppression through SIR. Gandhi led the group and intended to submit a memorandum demanding transparency and revisions to protect voters’ rights.

Authorities detained the protesting MPs on park roads leading to the EC building, citing disruption of public order. Lawyers and party officials were also prevented from reaching the site. Most of the detained leaders, including Gandhi, were held briefly and released after discussions. No forceful resistance or arrests for violence were reported.

The protest capped a daylong campaign, including a joint dinner hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge the previous night, where bloc strategy was finalised. Opposition leaders have pledged to continue raising the issue in Parliament, accusing the ruling government and poll body of pressuring marginalized voters.

The Election Commission has not publicly commented on the protest. Security has been heightened in the capital amid growing political tensions, with both Parliament and public spaces closely monitored.

The detentions are likely to deepen the divide in the monsoon session and intensify the INDIA bloc’s campaign around electoral reforms and democratic rights.