Rahul, Priyanka Among MPs Detained Over Poll Body Dispute

Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several opposition MPs, were detained in Delhi on Monday during a march to the Election Commission’s office. The protest, led by the INDIA bloc, accused the poll body of favouring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of upcoming elections.

Organisers said the march was intended to deliver a formal complaint questioning the Commission’s impartiality. Delhi Police stated that permission had been granted for 30 MPs to visit the office, but more than 200 joined the rally.

Authorities said the detentions were necessary to prevent any disruption to public order after some participants attempted to cross barricades.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla explained that certain MPs had tried to jump over security barriers, prompting officers to take them into custody. He said the measures were aimed at maintaining safety and order in the area.

During their detention, Rahul Gandhi told reporters the protest was about safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring every citizen’s vote carried equal weight. He called for an accurate and transparent voter list. Priyanka Gandhi accused the government of being fearful of opposition voices, describing its actions as cowardly.

Footage from outside Parliament showed crowds holding placards, chanting slogans, and pushing against police lines. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav was seen scaling two barricades before being detained.

Police confirmed that those taken into custody were moved to a nearby station. Opposition leaders have pledged to continue pressing for electoral transparency, signalling that the dispute over the Election Commission’s role will remain a prominent issue in the lead-up to national polls.