Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is detained and taken away in a police van during an INDIA bloc protest march towards the Election Commission of India (EC) office, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, at Akashvani Bhavan, in New Delhi, on Tuesday (October 6).
LIVE | Rahul, other Congress leaders released by Delhi Police after detention
Hours after the INDIA bloc MPs marched towards the EC office and staged a day-long protest, the poll panel said no political party sought an appointment through its authorised representatives for a meeting with it till 4 pm
Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, who were detained after their over-eight-hour sit-in inside the Akashvani Bhawan premises, were released by the Delhi Police a little after 10 pm on Tuesday (October 6), the opposition party said.
High drama unfolded during the INDIA Bloc protest in New Delhi on Tuesday evening (October 6) after Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and others, were detained and taken away from the Akashvani Bhavan premises after their over eight-hour sit-in protest.
Police forcibly removed Rahul, Priyanka and Congress MPs and leaders, including K C Venugopal, Pawan Khera, K Suresh, Amarinder Singh, Raja Warring and Imran Pratapgarhi, as the All India Radio (AIR) premises were cleared of all protesting MPs.
Rahul had earlier entered the AIR premises on Parliament Street and started the dharna after police thwarted an attempt by opposition MPs to march towards the Election Commission office, barely 300 metres away, over the "vote chori" charge.
Also read: Six things to watch as SC examines EC’s decisions
The march by INDIA bloc leaders was the latest in a series of protests by politicians and civil activists calling for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's resignation after a September 25 Indian Express report suggested irregularities in the SIR process and differences among the election commissioners.
What EC said
Hours after the INDIA bloc MPs marched towards the EC office and staged a day-long protest, the poll panel on Tuesday evening said no political party sought an appointment through its authorised representatives for a meeting with it till 4 pm.
"Till 4 PM today, no political party, through its representatives, had sought an appointment for a meeting with the Election Commission," it said in a statement.
Around 4 pm, the Commission received information from Delhi Police that a delegation of MPs led by Gandhi wanted to meet it and submit a memorandum.
The EC said it had laid down a procedure for meetings with political parties in 2025, under which a delegation of a political party or a joint delegation of several parties seeks an appointment through its duly authorised representative.
The Commission said it respected parliamentary and democratic processes as well as its own protocols and conventions.
"Any political party may, at any time, request a meeting with the Election Commission," the poll panel said.
Rahul climbs atop police barricade
Earlier, they tried to march to the EC headquarters and entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises in a bid to reach the poll body’s office. After being prevented from proceeding further, they sat on the road in protest, around 200 metres from the EC office. Soon Rahul and TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee climbed atop a police barricade, while Priyanka was taken to an awaiting bus for being detained. However, she soon got off it and joined her brother at the Akashvani gate.
Also read | SC clarification on Form 6 gives Oppn fresh ammo against CEC day before EC office rally
While Rahul, Priyanka, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and TMC's Derek O’Brien and Abhishek were detained briefly, Rahul and Priyanka resumed their sit-in inside Akashvani Bhavan after being released. The Gandhi siblings and Deepinder Hooda entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises from the reception gate. They were later seen sitting under a tree.
Security was stepped up around the area, with multiple barricades put up and a Vajra vehicle and drones deployed to monitor the protest. Opposition MPs carried cutouts depicting Kumar in an RSS uniform and raised slogans, including “Vote chor, gaddi chhod” and “Democracy not for sale”. In a post on X, Rahul posted, “Gyanesh it's done bro. Time to resign".
The MPs first gathered at Parliament's Makar Dwar before heading to Nirvachan Sadan, the EC headquarters. Ahead of the march, they questioned the security arrangements and stepped up their demand for CEC Kumar's resignation, citing the Supreme Court's observations on changes to Form 6, the statutory application for enrolment as a voter. Congress MP Imran Masood accused Kumar of eroding public trust in the EC.
Also read | Six things to watch as SC examines EC’s decisions
The INDIA bloc MPs earlier announced that they would also meet President Droupadi Murmu to raise concerns over the SIR exercise. The protest call over the SIR exercise was issued after a meeting of 19 Opposition parties on September 30. The EC, however, has rejected allegations of a split among its three-member body and maintained that decisions relating to SIR were taken unanimously.
Scroll below for Live updates.
Live Updates
- 6 Oct 2026 5:53 PM IST
Congress protesters prepare for long haul, bring carpets
Congress protesters bring carpets to the sit-in site inside Aakashvani Bhavan premises.
- 6 Oct 2026 5:00 PM IST
Gyanesh Kumar misled SC, has no moral right to remain CEC: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday (October 6) said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has "no moral right" to remain in office after the Supreme Court clarified that it had never approved changes to voter registration forms.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, the Rajya Sabha MP accused the CEC of misleading both the apex court and the public regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Raut was among several opposition leaders who took part in an INDIA bloc march towards the Election Commission in the national capital demanding CEC Kumar's resignation. The protest comes amid an opposition campaign over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and reports of differences within the three-member Commission. The poll body has rejected suggestions of a split and maintained that decisions relating to SIR were taken unanimously.
"It is now evident what game Gyanesh Kumar has played," he said, claiming that the CEC had made changes in the electoral process without majority or consensus.
"Even the Supreme Court has been misled by Gyanesh Kumar and such a person has no moral right to remain in the chair," he said.
The Supreme Court on Monday (October 5) said it will examine all decisions made by the Election Commission and annul those found not to be in accordance with law, as it issued notices to the Centre and the poll body following pleas alleging that the EC had made several decisions without the approval of the two election commissioners.
The court also made it clear that it has not approved any modifications to Form 6 used by the EC during the SIR in various states. Form 6 is an application through which an eligible person seeks inclusion in the electoral rolls.
- 6 Oct 2026 4:55 PM IST
We need to wait and see how far SC rectifies voter deletions: Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday (October 6) welcomed the Supreme Court’s remarks questioning voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision, but said it remains to be seen how far the court will go in rectifying it after taking responses from the Election Commission and the Centre.
Abdullah also said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as such a pan-India law ought to be debated and passed in Parliament.
Talking about the INDIA bloc MPs’ march to the EC office, he said, “This process will continue. We had been raising this issue repeatedly, but very few people paid attention. Now the media has also started speaking about it," he said.
On the UCC implementation, Abdullah reiterated that a Uniform Civil Code is not truly "uniform" until it is implemented everywhere. "We will not implement the Uniform Civil Code here. In Bihar as well, Nitish Kumar's party has said they will not implement it. Similarly, other governments have said the Uniform Civil Code will not be applied in their states. So, this is only being implemented by the BJP," he said.
"These matters are not handled from state to state. If you have the courage, bring legislation in Parliament. Debate it in Parliament, and then let's see whether it passes in Parliament or not. They will not introduce this law in Parliament because they do not have the numbers in Parliament to get it passed. That is why, the BJP is implementing this bit by bit across their own states, which is wrong," he added.
On the deportation of Bangladeshis from Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister said foreigners entering India without authorisation cannot stay here. "Looking at it practically, their presence here has not really caused us any particular trouble. However, it is also true that they cannot stay illegally," he said.
Abdullah, however, sought to draw a distinction between illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya refugees staying in India.
"Those who have entered from Bangladesh without authorisation are a different matter altogether. But the Rohingyas are being needlessly targeted. When they were expelled from their country, we gave them refuge here, gave them a little space, and allowed them to stay here for the time being until conditions in their country improved. Now, suddenly taking action against them seems a bit strange to me," he said.
The chief minister said he does not have jurisdiction over the issue as it falls under the Centre.
"This falls under the Government of India, and they are taking the assistance of the police for this. The police are not under our control either. So, it is better that you ask this question to those who have command over the police," he said.
- 6 Oct 2026 4:27 PM IST
Watch: Rahul, Priyanka among Congress MPs protesting inside Akashvani Bhavan
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other MPs stage a protest inside Akashvani Bhavan over CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- 6 Oct 2026 4:19 PM IST
Rijiju tells Rahul, Congress to stop echoing ‘anti-India’ narratives
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday criticised the Congress over the INDIA bloc MPs’ protest against the Election Commission, accusing the party of echoing narratives promoted by what he called “anti-India forces”.
“My second request to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party is to stop propagating the narratives of anti-India forces,” Rijiju said as quoted by ANI.
He alleged that foreign powers and anti-India groups were seeking to weaken India’s institutions and mislead people.
“Foreign powers and anti-India elements constantly push narratives to weaken India, discredit its constitutional institutions, and mislead its people,” he said.
Rijiju also criticised the Opposition for targeting the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and other constitutional institutions.
“Why stage dramas by attacking the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, and constitutional institutions? This charade will not work,” he said.
Rijiju said India was moving towards becoming a developed nation and argued that political leadership could no longer be based solely on family background.
“Simply being born into a certain family will no longer make you Prime Minister,” he said.
He urged the Congress to focus on public service instead of social media campaigns.
“If the Congress wishes to regain any remaining public mandate, it should focus on service. Narratives on social media won't suffice,” Rijiju said.
- 6 Oct 2026 4:02 PM IST
Ravi Shankar Prasad accuses Rahul of spreading ‘anarchy’
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of trying to spread “anarchy” in the country and criticised the Congress over its demand to return to ballot papers.
Prasad said Rahul, Congress president and other party leaders were seeking a return to paper ballots because, according to him, they could not win elections using electronic voting.
“The bottom line is very clear: Rahul Gandhi, his party president, and others are demanding a return to ballot papers,” Prasad said as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
He alleged that the demand could lead to booth capturing and prevent Dalits and poor voters in villages from casting their votes.
“This implies that since they cannot win elections using honest technology, they want to win through booth capturing,” he said.
Prasad further alleged that the Congress wanted to disrupt voting by targeting ballot boxes.
“They want to prevent Dalits and the poor in villages from voting, perhaps by throwing ink into ballot boxes and then securing a victory,” he said.
“This has been their strategy for years. We condemn this,” Prasad added.
- 6 Oct 2026 3:49 PM IST
NSUI stages mock funeral at Jantar Mantar demanding CEC's resignation
NSUI members staged a mock funeral at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Monday (October 5), fourth day of the protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar entered.
The Congress-backed student group spread white sheets on the ground and lay beneath them while fellow protesters placed garlands around them. Slogans of “Ram Naam Satya Hai” were raised during the protest.
The protesters said the act was meant to portray them as “living dead” amid what they described as threats to voters’ rights and the electoral process.
NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar said the protest would continue until Kumar steps down. Activist Gurmehar Kaur also questioned the legitimacy of the government.
Delhi Police, along with CISF and CRPF personnel, detained protesters, saying no permission had been granted for the demonstration.
The protests are centred on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission says the exercise is aimed at removing duplicate and ineligible entries. The Opposition has alleged that the revision could benefit the BJP, a charge denied by the party and the poll panel.
- 6 Oct 2026 3:24 PM IST
‘Modi, Shah, Bhagwat hijacked country through vote chori’: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of “vote chori”, alleging that they had “hijacked” the country and damaged democracy.
Speaking to reporters from inside the Akashvani Bhawan premises, where Opposition leaders were stopped by police while trying to reach the Election Commission, Rahul said he was not concerned by the BJP’s response.
“I am not interested in what the BJP says. I am standing here to protect democracy in the country,” Rahul said.
He said around 300 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs had joined the protest.
“Along with me, 300 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs had come and they are also trying to protect democracy,” he said.
Rahul then accused the Prime Minister, Shah, Bhagwat and Gyanesh Kumar of damaging democratic institutions.
“Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Mohan Bhagwat and CEC Gyanesh Kumar have finished off democracy in the country,” he said.
“The whole country believes this, the youth of the country also believe this. The police people who were stopping me are also saying this. The reality is known to everyone,” Rahul added.
He alleged that Modi, Shah and Bhagwat had “hijacked” the country through “vote chori”, with Kumar’s help.
- 6 Oct 2026 3:15 PM IST
Rahul alleges police removing media persons from Akashvani Bhavan
Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that police were removing media personnel from the Akashvani Bhavan premises where INDIA bloc MPs had gathered during their protest against the Election Commission.
Standing inside the premises, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the media was being prevented from covering the protest.
“I want to tell the whole country that the police are removing the media personnel from here,” Rahul said.
Rahul and other Opposition leaders had gathered at Akashvani Bhavan after police stopped their march from Parliament towards the Election Commission office. The Opposition MPs were seeking a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the other Election Commissioners.
The protest was part of the INDIA bloc’s campaign against the Election Commission over the revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have also demanded Kumar’s resignation and accused the poll panel of failing to address their concerns.
- 6 Oct 2026 3:03 PM IST
“We will destroy BJP, nobody will escape”: Rahul
Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the Opposition would “destroy” the BJP and warned that those responsible for what he described as an attack on democracy would face action.
Speaking during the INDIA bloc’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi, Rahul said the Opposition was not merely seeking to counter the ruling party.
“We are not only going to counter them (BJP), but we will destroy them,” Rahul said as quoted by ANI.
He said he was at the protest to defend democracy and alleged that the Election Commission had helped the BJP through what he called “vote chori”.
“I am standing here to save democracy in India,” Rahul said.
The remarks came as Opposition MPs marched towards the Election Commission, demanding a meeting with the poll panel and raising allegations over electoral rolls. Several Opposition leaders were detained by police after the march was stopped near the ECI office, Reuters reported.
Rahul also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Gyanesh Kumar of undermining democracy.
“Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Mohan Bhagwat have hijacked the nation through 'vote chori', and Gyanesh Kumar has helped them,” he said.
Rahul then issued a warning to those he accused of wrongdoing.
“What has been done to our country is called treason; nobody is going to escape,” he said.
