Opposition leaders marched in Delhi on Tuesday to protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, along with other opposition leaders and workers, reached the Akashvani Bhavan premises, where they staged a sit-in for several hours. Police attempted to stop the protesters and later detained several leaders.
The protest began with opposition leaders marching forward despite police barricading. At around 11:50 a.m., Rahul Gandhi reached the barricades and was seen attempting to cross them. The protesters were opposing issues related to the electoral process and SIR. The opposition said greater transparency and clarity were needed in the process related to the revision of electoral rolls. Officials associated with the election system have maintained that the process is being conducted under prescribed rules.
At around 12:15 p.m., police detained Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and several other opposition leaders. Arguments between leaders and police were reported at several points during the protest. Opposition leaders said they had the right to put forward their views and register their protest, while police sought to control the demonstration and maintain security arrangements.
At around 12:30 p.m., Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises and began a sit-in. Other Congress and opposition leaders and workers were also present. The sit-in continued for several hours, with protesters raising slogans against the Election Commission and SIR.
At around 2:15 p.m., Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were seen sitting on a mat under a tree inside the premises. They remained there for an extended period and interacted with workers.
At around 3:30 p.m., Rahul Gandhi offered Priyanka Gandhi an energy drink during the protest. Photos and videos of the two leaders eating also emerged. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were seen eating rolls during the prolonged sit-in.
A poster reading “Gyanesh It’s Done Bro” was also seen in Rahul Gandhi’s hand during the protest. The poster was described as referring to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition’s demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation remained one of the main issues raised during the demonstration.
At around 5 p.m., an incident involving the national flag drew attention on social media. A police officer approached a worker who was holding the Tricolour. The officer reportedly asked for it to be removed over concerns that someone could be injured by the flagpole.
Rahul Gandhi then approached the officer and asked him not to touch the Tricolour. Priyanka Gandhi also stood in front of the national flag. A heated exchange took place between the two leaders and the police officer over the issue.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi said that it was not merely a pole but the national flag. A video of the incident became one of the widely discussed moments of the protest.
During the incident, Priyanka Gandhi was seen standing directly in front of the Tricolour. Photos and videos of the scene were widely shared on social media. Congress leaders linked the incident to respect for the national flag, while police cited security-related concerns.
The sit-in by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other protesters continued for several hours. It began at around 12:30 p.m. and continued into the evening, with opposition leaders reiterating their demands and maintaining the protest.
The day’s developments included the march, police barricading, detention of leaders, the sit-in, the poster and the dispute over the Tricolour.
At around 8:15 p.m., police detained Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi from the Akashvani Bhavan premises. The detention came after several hours of protest.
The protest was centred on SIR and the functioning of the Election Commission. Opposition parties raised questions over SIR and demanded greater transparency in the electoral process. The resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner was also among the demands raised during the demonstration.
The opposition said political parties and voters should receive sufficient information and time in matters related to changes in electoral rolls. Parties and officials associated with the election process have said that revision of electoral rolls is a regular part of the electoral process and is conducted according to prescribed rules.
The protest began in the morning and continued until night. At around 11:50 a.m., police stopped the march. At 12:15 p.m., Akhilesh Yadav and several other leaders were detained. At 12:30 p.m., Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi reached Akashvani Bhavan and began the sit-in.
At 2:15 p.m., the two leaders were seen sitting on a mat under a tree. At 3:30 p.m., Rahul Gandhi offered Priyanka Gandhi an energy drink and the two were seen eating. At 5 p.m., an argument took place with a police officer over the Tricolour. At 8:15 p.m., police detained Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
The SIR protest continued throughout the day amid political activity and police action, with photographs and videos related to the demonstration being widely shared on social media.
