Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including senior leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sharad Pawar, faced police resistance in Delhi on Monday. They attempted to march from Parliament to the Election Commission (EC) headquarters to protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The protest raised serious allegations of voter fraud during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
However, the police stopped the march near Transport Bhawan, citing security concerns and this editorial covers the protest, key developments, and reactions from political leaders.
Protest Begins with National Anthem but Faces Police Blockade
The INDIA bloc leaders began their protest march at Parliament’s Makar Dwar. Wearing white caps marked with red crosses over the words “SIR” and “vote chori” (vote theft), they raised slogans and carried placards accusing the EC of collusion with the government. Despite the peaceful start with the national anthem, the protest was halted by police at Transport Bhawan. Authorities had set up heavy barricades to prevent the group from proceeding further towards the EC headquarters.
Senior Leaders Detained During the Protest
Delhi Police detained several senior opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, and journalist Sagarika Ghose. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke strongly during the march, accusing the government of cowardice. She said, “Dare hue hai. Sarkaar kaayar hai” (They are scared. This government is cowardly). The detention sparked outrage among opposition members and intensified the protest.
Akhilesh Yadav Defies Barricades, Voices Opposition
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the police actions, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent. He physically jumped over the barricades to continue the march, followed by several other leaders. The protesters chanted slogans against the SIR exercise, highlighting their strong opposition to the electoral roll revision process in Bihar.
#WATCH | Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav jumped over a police barricade as Delhi Police stopped INDIA bloc leaders marching from the Parliament to the Election Commission of India to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound… pic.twitter.com/ddHMdwWPqs
— ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2025
Top Opposition Leaders Join the Protest
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP’s Sharad Pawar, and leaders from DMK, TMC, RJD, and Left parties also joined the march. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led chants accusing the EC of “murdering democracy” through voter list manipulation. Protest banners read “SIR + Vote Theft = Murder of Democracy” and “SIR – Loktantra Par Vaar,” reflecting the intensity of the opposition’s message.
Shashi Tharoor Demands Credible Answers from EC
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor supported Rahul Gandhi’s claims. He emphasized the EC’s responsibility both to the nation and itself. He said doubts about duplicate voting threaten India’s democracy. Tharoor insisted that the Election Commission must provide credible answers to maintain public trust.
Opposition Questions Police Restrictions, BJP Defends EC
SP MP Ramgopal Yadav argued that MPs have the right to walk the streets of Delhi without police permission. RJD’s Manoj Jha called the SIR “a fraud” and accused the EC of ignoring Supreme Court directions. SP’s Dimple Yadav alleged booth capturing and vote theft in UP by-elections, questioning the lack of action. Meanwhile, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticized the opposition for disrupting Parliament. He challenged Rahul Gandhi to provide proof of “vote theft” allegations and urged transparency.
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Security Clampdown in Central Delhi
Ahead of the protest, Delhi police tightened security around Transport Bhawan with multiple barricades. Loudspeakers warned the protesters not to proceed further. The police maintained that the march could not continue due to law and order concerns. The heavy security presence highlighted the tense atmosphere around this political showdown.
