Rahul & other MPs detained during protest march to EC; Akhilesh jumps barricade
Tensions ran high in the national capital on Monday as opposition leaders, including Congress stalwarts Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were detained by the Delhi Police while staging a protest march from Parliament to the Election Commission. The MPs were demonstrating against the alleged voter theft in Bihar, where the State Information Centre (SIR) exercise has been underway.
The exercise, which aims to update the voters’ list in the state, has been marred by allegations of irregularities and manipulation. The opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the exercise, claiming that it is a ploy to disenfranchise certain sections of voters.
Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, was among the leaders who were detained by the police while attempting to breach the barricades at the Parliament Street. Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul’s sister and a senior Congress leader, was also detained along with him.
Other opposition leaders who were detained include Sanjay Raut, the spokesperson of the Shiv Sena (UBT), and Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP). Akhilesh Yadav, known for his fiery speeches and defiance, took a dramatic turn by jumping over the barricade and attempting to reach the Election Commission office.
The police had deployed a large contingent of personnel to control the protest, which began around 11 am. The opposition leaders, flanked by their supporters, began their march from Parliament Street, chanting slogans and waving flags. However, as they approached the Election Commission office, the police blocked their path and refused to let them proceed further.
The detained leaders were taken away in police vans and shifted to various police stations across the city. The police had also deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, which had gathered to support the protest.
The opposition parties have been demanding an immediate halt to the SIR exercise, alleging that it is a deliberate attempt to rig the electoral process in favor of the ruling party. The exercise, they claim, is designed to disenfranchise certain sections of voters, including minorities, backward classes, and Dalits.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, has dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. The party has claimed that the SIR exercise is a necessary step to update the voters’ list and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The detention of the opposition leaders has sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, with many calling it an undemocratic and authoritarian move by the government. The opposition parties have vowed to continue their protests and demonstrations until the SIR exercise is halted and the alleged irregularities are addressed.
In a statement, the Congress party condemned the detention of its leaders and described it as a “black day” for democracy. “The government is trying to suppress the voice of the opposition and silence the people,” said a party spokesperson. “We will not be deterred and will continue to fight for the rights of the people.”
The Samajwadi Party (SP) also condemned the detention of its leader Akhilesh Yadav and described it as a “violation of democratic norms.” “Akhilesh ji is a symbol of resistance against the authoritarian regime,” said a party spokesperson. “We will continue to support him and fight for the rights of the people.”
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also condemned the detention of its leader Sanjay Raut and described it as a “fascist move” by the government. “The government is trying to crush the opposition and silence the voice of the people,” said a party spokesperson. “We will not be deterred and will continue to fight for the rights of the people.”
As the standoff continues, the opposition parties are planning to take their protest to the streets and hold nationwide demonstrations against the SIR exercise. The government, on the other hand, is determined to push through the exercise and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
In the midst of this turmoil, the Election Commission has announced that it will conduct a review of the SIR exercise and address the concerns of the opposition parties. However, the opposition parties are skeptical of the commission’s intentions and are demanding a complete halt to the exercise.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the SIR exercise has become a major flashpoint in Indian politics, with far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic process. The opposition parties are determined to fight for their rights and the rights of the people, while the government is determined to push through its agenda. Only time will tell what the outcome will be.
