‘We are closing that space’: Rahul Gandhi targets Modi, Shah and RSS; urges youth to keep protesting

Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has urged young citizens to continue protesting against the current government, declaring a firm resolve to defend the country's Constitution. Gandhi, who is in Chennai for his Chhatron Ki Goonj event, also said the "core characteristic" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS is "cowardice".

In a statement shared on social media platform X alongside a video of his remarks, he highlighted his decade-long political struggle. "I've been fighting Narendra Modi and the RSS for over a decade now. I understand them like you would understand your opponent -- inside out, like the back of my hand," Gandhi said.

Naming Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Gandhi referred to them as "the villains of this story" who are "slowly finding the space closing around them". "We are closing that space," he stated, issuing a direct challenge to the Prime Minister. "Mr. Modi, do whatever you want. Call out all the police: 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, whatever you want. Arrest all the leaders. Arrest all the young people. Arrest us all. We are surrounding you, and we are not going to back down," Gandhi asserted.

Vow to protect the Indian voice

Addressing the wider nation, the opposition leader claimed that opposition forces already possess key information needed to protect democratic institutions. "Mark my words: we already have the information we need. We are going to defend our Constitution. We are going to protect the voice of the Indian people. And we are going to ensure that what was done to India over the last 10-15 years will never, ever be done again," he said.

Praising young demonstrators, Gandhi voiced pride in the youth of India, urging them to "keep protesting" and promising, "we are standing with you". He reaffirmed that opposition groups would work to ensure "this regime and the people who have attacked our Constitution are defeated".

Protests in New Delhi lead to thousands detained

Gandhi's comments come amid major political friction in New Delhi on Saturday, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar. Local law enforcement moved swiftly to enforce restrictions.

Delhi Police detained more than 3,000 protesters attempting to reach the site. In addition, over 600 people with criminal records were detained as a preventive measure. Police stated that permission for the protest had not been granted and prohibitory orders were in force across the New Delhi area