Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc were detained by Delhi Police following a protest march from the Parliament House complex toward the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters. The leaders, who were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, were intercepted by security personnel near the NITI Aayog office on Parliament Street.
Following the police blockade, several prominent leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, staged a sit-in protest on the road. During the standoff, some leaders were seen climbing police barricades. The detained parliamentarians were subsequently taken away in buses. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also detained during the proceedings, though she was later released.
During the march, some opposition members attempted to enter the Akashvani Bhawan. The protest was marked by sharp criticism of the Election Commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the BJP relies on the current leadership of the Election Commission to secure electoral victories, stating, "They know Gyanesh Kumar is sitting there and they will win again by stealing votes." Banerjee also criticized the BJP for recent remarks made by a party spokesperson regarding the CEC, adding, "This time they have brought Lord Ganesha into the picture as well, and their defeat in Maharashtra is certain."
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla condemned the BJP for comparing the CEC to Lord Ganesha, describing the rhetoric as "very shameful." He further stated that the opposition's agitation would continue, citing concerns raised by Supreme Court judges regarding electoral processes. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also targeted the commission, suggesting that the BJP should effectively establish its office within the ECI premises.
The protest saw participation from various opposition figures, including Derek O'Brien and RJD MP Manoj Jha, who criticized the government's stance. Security had been heavily tightened across the area, particularly near Vijay Chowk and the ECI headquarters, prior to the march. While the INDIA bloc organized the demonstration, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opted not to participate in the march.
