INDIA Bloc Protest: FIR Against Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi As Opposition Plans Bigger Delhi Demonstration

The political confrontation between the INDIA bloc and the Election Commission intensified on Thursday after Delhi Police registered a case against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other party leaders and workers, over the previous day’s protest in the national capital.

The case relates to allegations of assaulting police personnel, obstructing government work and misbehaving with officers during the demonstration. Police are investigating the allegations. 

The Opposition has also announced plans for a larger protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with more INDIA bloc MPs expected to participate.

Opposition Protest Enters Second Day

The latest developments come in the wake of a dramatic demonstration on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar where the opposition leaders tried to reach the Election Commission along with demanding the resignation of Kumar.

Police blocked protesters from coming to the designated demonstration site. Later, several leaders went on a sit-in and gave slogans against the poll panel.

The confrontation saw Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and a number of other opposition leaders arrested. Some 90 were reportedly detained, including MPs and party workers.

The police had named Rahul and Priyanka among the accused in its case against the kidnappers.

The Delhi Police have lodged an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders and workers.

Police claims that some of the protesters attacked or blocked officers as they were trying to keep the protest going. The case will be investigated to decide who played what part in the named persons.

There was also a separate complaint that resulted in a case filed against Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, besides other MPs, who allegedly entered the premises of the Akashvani Bhawan without permission during the previous protest.

Protest Over Electoral Roll Revision

The INDIA bloc’s demonstrations are centred on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and have demanded action from the Election Commission. They have also called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of political bias, maintaining that the electoral-roll exercise is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of voter lists.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleged Police Manhandling

Wednesday’s protest also saw a confrontation between demonstrators and police after Priyanka Gandhi and other women leaders sat or lay on the road during the standoff.

Priyanka later alleged that she was physically handled by police personnel while being removed from the protest site. These allegations have been reported as claims by the Congress leader and remain part of the wider dispute surrounding the demonstrations.

INDIA Bloc Plans Larger Demonstration

Opposition parties have decided to intensify their campaign on Thursday, with more MPs expected to join the protest.

Congress has also declared that October 8 is a “Black Day” across the country and it has shown signs of holding protests against the Election Commission regarding the electoral-roll issue. The 10-member Opposition delegation, which also features West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, will also hold a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

The protests have escalated to a political standoff between the Election Commission and the Opposition over electoral-roll revisions and there are plans to hold more protests in Delhi and other parts of the country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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