Rahul & other MPs detained during protest march to EC; Akhilesh jumps barricade
On Monday, a protest march staged by Opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, was disrupted by Delhi Police. The march was aimed at reaching the Election Commission to protest against the alleged voter theft and the SIR (Sealing and Re-allotment) exercise in Bihar. However, the police detained the MPs, while Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav took a more dramatic approach by jumping over a barricade.
The protest march, which began from Parliament, was attended by several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sanjay Raut, and Akhilesh Yadav. The MPs were demanding that the Election Commission take immediate action against the alleged voter theft and the SIR exercise, which they claimed was aimed at disenfranchising voters in Bihar. The SIR exercise, which is a process of sealing and re-allotting properties in the state, has been a contentious issue, with many opposition parties accusing the state government of using it to target their supporters.
As the MPs approached the Election Commission, they were met by a heavy police deployment. The police had set up barricades to prevent the protesters from reaching the Commission’s office. However, Akhilesh Yadav, who was leading the protest, decided to take a more confrontational approach. He jumped over the barricade, attempting to reach the Commission’s office. The police, however, quickly responded and detained him, along with several other MPs.
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Sanjay Raut were also detained by the police. The police claimed that the MPs were not allowed to proceed further as their protest was not in accordance with the rules and regulations. The police also accused the MPs of trying to disrupt the peace and create a law and order situation.
The detention of the MPs sparked a heated debate, with the Opposition parties accusing the government of using the police to suppress their voices. The Congress, in particular, criticized the government, saying that the detention was a clear example of the government’s willingness to silence the Opposition. “This is a clear attempt to stifle dissent and suppress the voices of the people,” said a Congress spokesperson.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also condemned the detention, saying that it was an attack on democracy. “The police are being used to suppress the voices of the people and to protect the interests of the ruling party,” said a Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson.
The SP, meanwhile, accused the government of using the SIR exercise as a tool to target its supporters. “The SIR exercise is a clear attempt to disenfranchise voters and to give an advantage to the ruling party,” said Akhilesh Yadav, who was detained by the police.
The Election Commission has not commented on the issue, but opposition parties have demanded that it take immediate action to stop the SIR exercise and to ensure that the rights of voters are protected.
The detention of the MPs has sparked a sharp debate, with many wondering whether it is a sign of a growing authoritarianism in the country. The government, however, has defended the police action, saying that it was necessary to maintain law and order.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the SIR exercise and the alleged voter theft have become a major issue in the country, and the Opposition parties are determined to fight against them. Whether they will be successful in their efforts remains to be seen.
