"Will lay down lives for Constitution": Rahul Gandhi detained in Delhi
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra detained by Delhi Police during protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar regarding alleged election irregularities.
In a high-voltage political confrontation in the national capital, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday. The detention occurred as opposition leaders attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar to protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The tension escalated when police intercepted the INDIA bloc MPs. Following the intervention, Rahul Gandhi was transported to the Barakhamba Road Police Station, while Priyanka Gandhi was taken to the Chhatrasal Stadium Station. The scene was marked by intense emotion as leaders from the opposition gathered to support the detained lawmakers, including Kerala CM VD Satheesan and Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala.
"No cost is too high": Priyanka Gandhi defends the Constitution
Amidst the chaos, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made a powerful statement while waving a copy of the Constitution from a police vehicle. Addressing reporters, she emphasized the sanctity of the nation's founding document.
"What is the value of the Constitution in this nation? We will lay down our lives for the Constitution. No cost is too high for us," Priyanka Gandhi declared.
The protest highlights a deepening rift between the opposition and the Election Commission, with the INDIA bloc accusing the current administration of undermining democratic processes through the CEC's office.
Rahul Gandhi vows to continue street protests
Rahul Gandhi, expressing his resolve despite the detention, stated that the Congress Party and the INDIA bloc are prepared to face any legal repercussions to protect democratic institutions. He accused the central government of forming an alliance with the Election Commission to suppress dissent.
Key highlights from Rahul Gandhi's statement:
- The Congress and INDIA bloc will continue to take to the streets to save the Constitution and democracy.
- The alliance between the "dictatorial Modi government" and the Election Commission has been exposed.
- Protests will not cease until CEC Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
- The opposition is ready to face arrests and legal cases to fight for the country's most sacred principles.
"There is nothing that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah can do that will stop us," Gandhi added, underscoring the intensity of the opposition's resolve.
Political firestorm: BJP reacts to the Delhi standoff
The detention and subsequent protests have ignited a fierce verbal war between the ruling BJP and the opposition. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a senior Congress leader, condemned the police action, describing it as "oppression" occurring in broad daylight. He questioned the legality of obstructing a peaceful dharna intended to voice political grievances.
However, the BJP was quick to strike back. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took a jab at Rahul Gandhi’s political record, mockingly suggesting that for the Congress leader, "FIR" stands for "Failure in Results."
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi further criticized the protest, labeling the actions of the Congress "first family" as an attempt at "anarchy" rather than constitutional advocacy. Trivedi argued that the opposition's demands—such as summoning the CEC to Parliament—violate constitutional norms. He also pointed to internal fractures within the INDIA bloc, citing seat-sharing disputes in Uttar Pradesh and the rivalry between Congress and TMC in West Bengal as evidence of a lack of unity.