New Delhi: New Delhi erupted into high political drama on Monday as Opposition MPs staged a fierce protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of manipulating the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to favour the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The demonstration took a sudden turn when Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra fainted mid-protest, prompting Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to rush to her aid.
The confrontation unfolded outside Parliament and escalated when Delhi Police began detaining several MPs. A viral video from inside a police bus showed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior leaders standing shoulder to shoulder, raising slogans despite being taken into custody.
Rahul Gandhi, who spearheaded the march from Parliament’s Makar Dwar towards the ECI headquarters, accused the poll body of being complicit in what he called “vote theft” during the 2024 Lok Sabha and assembly elections. “This fight is not political. It’s to defend the Constitution and protect the principle of ‘One Man, One Vote’,” Gandhi declared. “The Modi government and the ECI can’t hide the truth — the whole nation is speaking up: Vote hamara, choo ke dekh.”
Prominent leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose were also detained and taken to the Parliament Street police station. Priyanka Gandhi launched a direct attack on the Centre, calling it “cowardly” and “afraid of the people’s voice.”
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav drew attention with a dramatic leap over police barricades after officers tried to block the INDIA bloc’s advance. “They are using the police to silence us,” he shouted, before continuing the march on foot.
The protest — loud with chants of “vote chor” — was ultimately stopped short of Nirvachan Sadan, but the Opposition vowed to intensify their agitation. The day’s events not only highlighted the growing tension between the INDIA bloc and the Modi government but also marked yet another flashpoint in the escalating battle over India’s electoral integrity.
