Opposition’s ‘One Person, One Vote’ Fight Led by Rahul Gandhi; Arrested Amid Police Crackdown

Delhi Police on Monday morning arrested senior opposition MPs, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. They were detained for protesting against the Election Commission’s alleged ‘conspiracy’ with BJP, which spread across the streets of central Delhi.

Others arrested include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and another Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi.

At the time of his arrest, Rahul Gandhi told reporters, “This struggle is not political; it is a fight to protect the Constitution. The fight is for ‘one person, one vote.’” He added, “The reality is, they cannot speak... the truth is before the country.”

Delhi Police Joint Commissioner Deepak Purohit confirmed the arrests but did not specify the number. He said, “The arrested India Bloc leaders have been taken to a nearby police station.”

Purohit said the opposition was not permitted to protest by the police. Only 30 MPs were allowed to file a complaint with the Election Commission. However, over 200 marched, prompting the police to detain them fearing a law-and-order disruption. Some MPs were also arrested for attempting to climb barricades, Deputy Commissioner Devesh Kumar Mahla said.

Outside Parliament and during the march, many politicians and activists were seen holding placards, chanting slogans, and clashing with police barricades. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was seen crossing two police barricades.

Trinamool Congress said two of their MPs, including Mahua Moitra, fell ill during the march, and Rahul Gandhi along with other opposition leaders assisted them.

BJP leaders called the protest a “staged plan” and accused the opposition of creating “anarchy.” Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “The country can see who is working against the Constitution… that is Rahul Gandhi.” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition, stating that attacking the Election Commission would not be tolerated by the government.

The Congress-led India Bloc has been protesting against alleged voter list manipulation by the Election Commission for a long time, especially citing irregularities during Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Last week, Rahul Gandhi presented evidence of voter list fraud at a bloc meeting and demanded the release of draft voter lists for error verification.

Meanwhile, in Bihar, special revision of voter lists before elections has raised questions from opposition parties and courts. The opposition claims it is a BJP tactic to destroy their vote bank.

The judiciary has allowed the special revision but cautioned that legitimate voters must not be excluded and about 6.5 million excluded voters must be given an opportunity to appeal.

The Election Commission denies the allegations, stating its processes are transparent and aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. They have demanded proof and affidavits from Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of being ‘anti-Constitution’ and says, “If Rahul Gandhi wants to maintain his credibility, he must provide the names of illegal voters.”

Due to the protest and arrests on Monday, both houses of Parliament were adjourned until 2 pm.