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By Chetanya Sarraf
Oct 06, 2026, 1:36 PM
INDIA Bloc Protest: Opposition Leaders Detained in Delhi
Tensions escalated in New Delhi on Tuesday as INDIA bloc MPs marched towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters to protest over the ongoing controversy surrounding electoral roll revisions and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest march, which began from the Parliament complex, was stopped by Delhi Police near the NITI Aayog office. Several opposition leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were detained after the protesters were prevented from moving further towards the Election Commission.
The demonstration comes amid a wider political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations raised by opposition parties regarding changes to voter registration procedures. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that the electoral process is being conducted according to established procedures.
March Stopped in Delhi
The INDIA bloc MPs began their march from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi. The opposition had announced the demonstration as part of its campaign against what it describes as irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
Police had deployed additional security personnel and installed barricades along the route leading towards the Election Commission office. The security arrangements were put in place ahead of the planned march as authorities anticipated a large gathering of opposition MPs and leaders.
According to reports, the protesters were stopped near the NITI Aayog office, on the stretch between NITI Aayog and Akashvani Bhavan. After being prevented from proceeding towards the ECI headquarters, several MPs staged a sit-in on the road.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among those who took part in the demonstration. Other opposition leaders, including Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, Trinamool Congress leaders Derek O’Brien and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and CPI(M) leader John Brittas, also participated.
The police action led to the detention of several opposition leaders as the standoff continued.
Opposition Raises Demands
The INDIA bloc has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and has raised concerns about the conduct of the electoral roll revision process.
Opposition parties have particularly questioned aspects of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the procedures connected with voter registration. They have alleged that the process could affect eligible voters if adequate safeguards are not followed.
The opposition has also raised questions regarding Form 6, which is used in the electoral registration process. Leaders have argued that changes or additional requirements connected with voter enrolment need greater transparency and scrutiny.
Rahul Gandhi also called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner during the protest. The opposition’s campaign has used the broader issue of voter rights and electoral transparency to build pressure on the Election Commission.
The INDIA bloc had decided to hold the joint march following a meeting of opposition parties on September 30. Leaders had announced plans to approach the Election Commission and also seek a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to present their concerns.
However, not every opposition party participated in Tuesday’s march. The Aam Aadmi Party had announced that it would stay away from the INDIA bloc demonstration and continue its own campaign over the SIR issue.
Police Detain Leaders
The situation became more tense after police stopped the protesters from continuing towards the Election Commission headquarters.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was among the opposition leaders detained during the police action. Several other MPs and political leaders were also taken into custody after the demonstration was stopped.
The detentions followed a period of confrontation between protesters and security personnel at the barricades. Some opposition leaders climbed or stood on barricades after police prevented the march from moving forward.
The protesters later continued their demonstration by sitting on the road and raising slogans. Rahul Gandhi also made a public statement calling for Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Police had earlier warned about restrictions and security arrangements in central Delhi because of the planned march. Roads around Parliament, the Election Commission headquarters and other parts of central Delhi were affected by the security deployment and traffic restrictions.
The administration’s focus remained on preventing the protesters from reaching restricted areas while maintaining security around important government and institutional buildings.
For the opposition, however, the detention of its leaders became another part of its criticism of the government’s handling of the demonstration.
Election Row Continues
The protest is part of a larger political dispute over electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision process. Opposition parties have argued that voter registration and deletion procedures must protect the rights of eligible citizens and remain transparent.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations that its actions are politically motivated. The poll body has maintained that decisions related to electoral processes are taken according to legal and constitutional procedures.
The controversy has also received judicial attention. Recent Supreme Court observations concerning the electoral roll revision and Form 6 have added another dimension to the political debate. Opposition leaders have cited the court’s observations while strengthening their criticism of the Election Commission.
At the same time, claims made by political parties remain part of an ongoing political dispute and should not be treated as established findings unless confirmed through official investigations or judicial decisions.
The INDIA bloc is expected to continue raising the issue through further protests and political campaigns. Opposition parties have indicated that they want greater scrutiny of electoral roll revisions and safeguards for voters.
For the Election Commission, the challenge is to maintain public confidence in the electoral process while addressing concerns about voter registration and revisions.
Tuesday’s protest therefore reflects a broader debate over electoral transparency, voter rights and the functioning of India’s election machinery. The detention of opposition leaders has added to the political confrontation, while the underlying disagreement over the electoral roll revision remains unresolved.
As both sides continue to present their positions, further developments are likely in the coming days. The focus will remain on the Election Commission’s response, the opposition’s next course of action and any further judicial or official developments related to the electoral roll revision.
Source: ANI
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