Rahul, Priyanka among others detained during INDIA Bloc protest in Delhi

Several INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, and Sagarika Ghose, were detained by Delhi Police on Monday during a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The MPs began a march from Parliament House towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters but were stopped near Transport Bhawan. Senior Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sharad Pawar, led the protest, accusing the SIR process of being a tactic for “vote chori” (vote theft) and demanding its rollback.

Protesters sat on the road, holding placards and shouting slogans. Many wore white caps marked with a red cross over “SIR” and “vote chori,” while banners read “SIR + Vote Theft = Murder of Democracy” and “SIR – Loktantra Par Vaar.”

Police had set up barricades and declared the march would not be allowed to proceed further. Prominent participants included leaders from DMK, TMC, SP, RJD, and Left parties.

TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Sushmita Dev, along with Congress MPs Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani, climbed barricades to continue their protests.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had earlier informed the ECI about the planned march, seeking a meeting to discuss issues including the SIR process. The Opposition claims the SIR aims to disenfranchise voters ahead of Bihar assembly polls, charges the Election Commission denies.

The issue has caused repeated disruptions in Parliament since the Monsoon session began on July 21, with legislative work largely stalled.