Delhi Sees Massive Protest Led by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Despite Two Days of Police Crackdown
Opposition parties took to the streets of Delhi on Monday, October 12, to protest against what they described as unprecedented police repression over the previous two days. Thousands of people, including ordinary citizens, student organisations, youth groups and leaders of major political parties, joined a large march from Barakhamba Road towards the Supreme Court under the banner of a “March for Democracy”.
The protest was organised to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and oppose alleged irregularities and “vote theft” in the electoral process. Senior Congress leaders and representatives of other INDIA bloc parties led the demonstration.
Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown
On Sunday, October 11, Delhi Police reportedly acted against protesters holding peaceful demonstrations at Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar to demand the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. Students, including minors, lawyers and other demonstrators were allegedly detained and taken to an isolated community centre in Pandwala Khurd, around 40 kilometres from central Delhi.
There were allegations that detainees were subjected to severe physical abuse. Lawyers were also reportedly denied access to the detention centre despite an explicit Supreme Court order. The arrests and alleged mistreatment failed to stop the protests. Instead, opposition parties returned to the streets on Monday in larger numbers, condemning what they described as authoritarian police conduct. The march from Barakhamba Road reflected growing public anger over the alleged crackdown.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and prominent activist Yogendra Yadav were among those who joined the march.
During the procession, Mr. Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were seen aboard a specially arranged bus. The march was also intended to draw attention to a formal writ petition filed in the Supreme Court over allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and claims of electoral manipulation. Opposition leaders said they would pursue legal action while intensifying street protests to restore transparency in the electoral system and protect democratic rights.
Protesters Carry Giant Copy of Constitution
One of the most striking features of the march was a giant replica of the Indian Constitution carried by protesters. Slogans filled central Delhi as demonstrators highlighted the importance of protecting fundamental rights and democratic values amid the current political situation.
Opposition leaders alleged that constitutional institutions were being used for partisan interests and that ordinary citizens were being deprived of their right to vote. Despite police restrictions, nurses, young people, workers and people from different age groups joined the march.
A large number of female police personnel were also deployed to manage the crowds and maintain order. The opposition’s growing distrust of the Election Commission, followed by the alleged police crackdown, has heightened political tensions across India. Lawyers described the detention and alleged harassment of minors, as well as the confiscation of mobile phones, as serious violations of fundamental human rights.
Senior INDIA bloc leaders took their demands to the Supreme Court, seeking justice over the alleged incidents. The opposition is expected to expand its campaign in the coming days to protect democracy and ensure free and fair elections. The large turnout on Monday, following what protesters described as a night of horror on Sunday, demonstrated the opposition’s determination to continue its campaign despite the police action.
