A day of high political drama unfolded in the national capital on Monday as nearly 300 Opposition MPs, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, staged a massive march towards the Election Commission headquarters to protest against alleged electoral malpractices, widely referred to as “vote chori” (vote theft). The protest, described by participants as a fight to “save the Constitution,” accused the Election Commission of colluding with the ruling BJP to manipulate the electoral process for political gain.
The vote chori protest Delhi began near Parliament, with MPs holding placards reading slogans like “SIR: Stealing Democratic Rights” and “Vote Chori.” The demonstrators planned to proceed to Nirbachan Sadan, the Election Commission’s headquarters, but were stopped midway by heavy Delhi Police deployment. Barricades were erected, forcing the leaders to confront security forces, and several MPs were detained on the spot.
Among those detained were Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was seen jumping over police barricades, joined by other leaders, including Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra and Sushmita Dev, as well as Congress members Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani. The scenes turned more chaotic as slogans grew louder and sit-in protests erupted on the streets.
Amid the commotion, two Trinamool MPs — Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh — collapsed during the protest. Colleagues rushed to their aid, offering water and basic first aid. Mitali Baugh was later taken to hospital for treatment, while Mahua Moitra regained consciousness at the protest site. Despite the medical emergencies, opposition leaders refused to disperse, accusing the government of suppressing democratic dissent.
Speaking before being taken away by the police, Rahul Gandhi told reporters, “This fight is not political but for saving the Constitution… the truth is before the entire country.” Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge echoed this sentiment, declaring, “Our fight against SIR (Special Intensive Revision) is to protect people’s right to vote. BJP’s cowardly dictatorship will not work.”
The vote chori protest Delhi drew participation from leaders across India’s opposition spectrum, including DMK’s T R Baalu, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, TMC’s Derek O’Brien, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, RJD, Left parties, and others. The united opposition vowed to continue its campaign until electoral transparency is ensured.
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