The political atmosphere in the national capital remained tense as leaders of the INDIA block gathered for a strategic meeting followed by a high-profile protest march. On Wednesday, Members of Parliament from various opposition parties assembled in Delhi under the pretext of a lunch meeting, which soon transitioned into a massive demonstration aimed at reaching Jantar Mantar, while however, the march was intercepted by the Delhi Police, leading to the brief detention of senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The opposition remains steadfast in its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, showing no signs of backing down from their confrontation with the authorities.
The Strategic Lunch and March Announcement
The day began with a gathering of prominent opposition figures at the Sagar Ratna restaurant in Delhi. Among those present were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several other MPs from the INDIA block. This lunch served as a platform for the leaders to coordinate their next steps in their ongoing agitation. Following the meal, Rahul Gandhi made a formal announcement to hold a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar. Acting on this call, the opposition MPs boarded buses and began their journey toward the designated protest site, signaling a direct challenge to the administration.
Police Blockade and Priyanka Gandhi's Protest
The march to Jantar Mantar was short-lived as the Delhi Police had already established heavy security cordons. The police refused to grant permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar and blocked the path of the opposition leaders. In response to the blockade, Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders sat down on the road in protest. A significant moment occurred when Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lay down on the road, declaring that she wouldn't move from the spot. The standoff continued for some time before the Delhi Police took Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi into custody. They were later released after being detained for a period.
Rahul Gandhi's Stance on CEC and Government
Following the lunch and the subsequent detention, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He stated that the opposition had attempted to meet the Election Commission the previous day, but they were denied an audience and stopped by the Delhi Police, while gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing them of destroying democracy in the country. Regarding the FIRs filed against him, Rahul Gandhi remarked that his goal is to reach 100 FIRs, stating that every FIR is like a medal for him. He emphasized that Gyanesh Kumar must step down from his position.
Kharge and Pawan Khera on the Agitation
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the sentiments of the opposition, stating that they aren't afraid and will continue their protests against the Election Commission. He asserted that the opposition would take its message to the entire country, highlighting what he described as attempts to finish democracy. Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera, speaking at the lunch, mentioned that the menu for the day was food, not the movement itself. When questioned about the FIRs against Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Khera described them as symbols of honor. He noted that the MPs represent 64 percent of the population and that they would sign documents as requested by the Election Commission, remarking on the formal nature of the interaction with the officials.
Previous Day's Protest and FIR Details
The current unrest follows a major protest led by Rahul Gandhi on the previous day. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi for allegedly forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan and holding a protest without permission. On Tuesday, the march toward the Election Commission office led to the complete closure of Parliament Street. The protest, which began around 11 AM, lasted for more than 8 hours and concluded after 8 PM. C. Venugopal, TMC's Derek O'Brien, and other opposition MPs. According to the Delhi Police, approximately 250 people were detained during the protest. While most were released shortly after, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were kept in custody for about two hours and released after 10 PM. The leaders had reached the Akashvani Bhawan premises, located about 200 meters from the Election Commission office, seeking permission to meet the Election Commissioners before the situation escalated.