New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were released by Delhi Police after being detained during an opposition protest in the national capital. Several opposition leaders were detained during the demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest centred on opposition allegations regarding electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Opposition parties have demanded greater transparency in the electoral process and called for Gyanesh Kumar to step down.
The protesters were stopped by police while attempting to proceed towards Jantar Mantar. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several other opposition leaders were subsequently detained and taken to different locations.
According to PTI reports, Rahul Gandhi was taken to Barakhamba Road Police Station, while Priyanka Gandhi and several others were detained at Chhatrasal Stadium. Both were released shortly after 8 pm.
The protest saw tense scenes in central Delhi, with Priyanka Gandhi and other women leaders sitting on the road while carrying a copy of the Constitution. Opposition leaders continued to raise demands concerning electoral transparency and voter rights.
The developments came a day after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders were detained following a prolonged sit-in at the Akashvani Bhavan premises during their protest against the Election Commission.
Delhi Police has also registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders in connection with their entry into the Akashvani Bhavan premises during the earlier protest.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of wrongdoing related to the voter-list revision. The Election Commission maintains that the revision process is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls.
With Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi now released, the political confrontation over electoral rolls, the SIR exercise and the demand for accountability from the Election Commission is expected to continue.
