Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Leaders Arrested During Massive Protest Against Election Commission

Senior opposition leaders from Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, and others clashed with Delhi Police on Monday morning during protests outside Parliament. The demonstration targeted the Election Commission, accusing it of bias and manipulation in favoring the ruling BJP.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Shiv Sena leaders Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were among those detained. Delhi Police confirmed detentions but did not disclose the exact number.

#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

“This fight is not political… it is to save the Constitution. The fight is for ‘one person, one vote, ‘” Rahul Gandhi told reporters as he was being taken away.

Police Cite Law and Order Concerns

Police stated the opposition did not have permission for a large-scale protest. Only 30 MPs were authorized to march to the Election Commission, but over 200 leaders participated.

“Some MPs tried jumping barricades… they were also detained,” said Deputy Commissioner Devesh Kumar Mahla. Visuals showed politicians climbing barricades and pushing back police lines near Parliament. The protest led to the adjournment of both Houses till 2 pm.

Allegations of Voter Manipulation

The opposition bloc accuses the Election Commission of manipulating voter lists to favor the BJP. The issue has simmered since last year’s Maharashtra elections and resurfaced during the Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka.

Rahul Gandhi urged that the EC publish a searchable draft voter list for transparency after presenting evidence of massive voter fraud. New demonstrations were triggered by the EC’s contentious “special intensive revision” (SIR) of Bihar’s voter list, which was ordered before state elections. The petitioners argue that it unfairly excludes voters and breaches the law.

The Supreme Court allowed the revision to continue but ordered safeguards to protect genuine voters and give excluded individuals time to appeal.

Government Pushback

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the opposition of trying to create “anarchy” and undermining the Constitution. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju warned the government would not tolerate attacks on the Election Commission.

WATCH MORE: SIR Row Sparks High Drama: Opposition MPs’ March to EC Blocked, Rahul Gandhi Detained, Akhilesh Yadav Jumps Barricade

The BJP challenged Rahul Gandhi to submit proof of alleged fake voters under oath, calling his claims political theatre. “If Rahul Gandhi values his credibility, he must… submit the names of the ineligible electors,” BJP’s Amit Malviya said.

Democracy Under Debate

This high-profile standoff highlights growing tensions over election integrity in India. The government described the protests as political sabotage, but the opposition maintains that they uphold democratic values.

The need for openness and confidence in election procedures is still crucial for India’s democratic future, despite the ongoing discussion.