New Delhi: The Delhi Police have officially lodged an FIR against senior Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several other opposition leaders, following a demonstration that turned confrontational near the Election Commission’s headquarters.
What Sparked the Protest
The march was organised by the INDIA alliance to demand a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls and to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Roughly 200 Members of Parliament set off from the Parliament precinct, intending to reach the Election Commission office.
Police Action Near Akashvani Bhawan
After covering about 700 metres along Parliament Street, the procession was stopped by police who said the protesters did not have permission to enter the government complex. Undeterred, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other senior leaders either scaled or circumvented the barricades, moving onto the Akashvani Bhawan premises and beginning a sit‑in.
Detention and Night‑time Release
Police repeatedly asked the group to vacate the building, but the leaders insisted on meeting Election Commission officials. After several hours inside the complex, officers moved in and removed the protesters. Alongside the Gandhis, Congress figures such as K.C. Venugopal, Deepender Hooda and Pawan Khera were detained, as were a number of MPs and party workers. All detainees were taken to the New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp and were released later that night.
FIR Filing and Ongoing Investigation
The FIR was registered at the Parliament Street Police Station on charges of unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhawan complex. Investigators are now probing the actions of everyone named in the complaint.
This incident adds another chapter to the growing confrontation between the opposition and the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral‑roll revision process.
Both sides remain firmly entrenched, while security agencies continue to keep a close watch on central Delhi.
