Priyanka calls for govt’s removal, Rahul vows to fight for Constitution as they’re released

New Delhi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were released on Wednesday evening after being detained during the INDIA bloc’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Rahul Gandhi was released shortly after 8 pm from Barakhamba Road Police Station, while Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders detained with her were released from Chhatrasal Stadium. Their release came after a day of escalating political confrontation in central Delhi over the Opposition’s demand to meet the Election Commission and seek Kumar’s resignation.

Refuting to step back, Congress has called for a nationwide protest on October 8.

Priyanka calls for government’s removal

After the confrontation, Priyanka Gandhi stepped up her attack on the government, saying there was “no other way left now except to remove this government”.

In a post shared by the Congress, she warned citizens that failing to remove the government would push the country “into the abyss” and accused it of violating constitutional principles.

“This is the world's largest democracy. Democracy means rule of the people,” Priyanka said, arguing that the government should work according to the Constitution.

She also said that more than 300 Opposition MPs had been seeking a meeting with the Election Commissioners to raise allegations of “vote theft” and demand their resignations. The figure and allegations were part of the Congress’s account of the protest.
Also read | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi face FIR over alleged unauthorised entry into Akashvani Bhavan

Rahul says protest will continue

Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, said the Opposition would continue taking to the streets despite arrests and legal cases.

“We are not going to stop protesting till Gyanesh Kumar resigns,” Gandhi said in a post on X, describing the campaign as a fight to protect the Constitution and what he called the “most sacred thing” in the country.

Earlier in the day, while speaking about the FIR registered over Tuesday’s protest, Gandhi said he had 45 FIRs against him and that his target was 100.

“Every FIR against me is a medal for me,” Gandhi said, according to reports.

Satheesan backs Rahul

The protest also drew support from Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who joined the INDIA bloc demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Satheesan said the FIR against Rahul Gandhi amounted to an “attack” on democratic dissent and argued that police cases and intimidation would not stop the Opposition’s campaign.

“No FIR. No intimidation. No abuse of power will silence this fight,” Satheesan said in a post on X, adding that Kerala stood firmly with Rahul Gandhi. He also questioned whether 45 cases could intimidate Gandhi or silence the Congress.

BJP hits back at Rahul

The BJP, however, strongly rejected the Opposition’s approach.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to create an atmosphere of “anarchy” in Delhi with the help of what he described as “anti-social elements”.

Nabin also defended the SIR exercise, arguing that the removal of names of alleged ineligible voters from electoral rolls should not be portrayed as an attack on democracy. He questioned the Opposition’s objections to the revision process and said such an “anarchist mindset” would be answered by the people.
Also read | ‘What a duplicitous man?’: DMK slams Rahul Gandhi over ‘silence’ on TN voter deletions

Second day of confrontation

Wednesday’s episode came a day after Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were detained following an extended sit-in at Akashvani Bhawan, after INDIA bloc MPs were stopped from marching to the Election Commission headquarters.

An FIR was subsequently registered against the two Congress leaders and their supporters over their alleged entry into the premises without permission. The Opposition has said the cases and detentions will not deter its campaign over the electoral-roll revision.

The latest developments have turned the SIR dispute into a wider political confrontation involving the Opposition, the Election Commission, the Centre and Delhi Police, with both sides continuing to defend sharply different positions on the electoral-roll revision. 

(With agency inputs)