Why Were Over 30 Opposition MPs, Including Rahul Gandhi, Detained in Delhi?

In a significant political event, Delhi Police detained more than 30 Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during a protest march against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The march aimed to address concerns over alleged manipulation of voter lists ahead of elections. With heightened security measures in place, the situation has drawn attention to the ongoing political tensions surrounding electoral integrity. Read on to find out more about the implications of this protest and the reactions from various political leaders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2025, 14:05 IST

Opposition MPs Detained During Protest March

New Delhi: On Monday, Delhi Police announced the detention of over 30 Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) who were participating in a march towards the Election Commission (EC) office to protest the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

Among those detained were prominent figures such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the Congress party, Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sagarika Ghose from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), according to police sources.

Authorities stated that the Opposition leaders were taken to the Parliament Street Police Station because only 30 MPs had received permission from the Election Commission to enter its premises, while the number of protesters exceeded this limit.

It was noted that no formal request had been made for the protest march to the Election Commission.

The MPs intended to march from Makar Dwar in Parliament to the EC office to submit a memorandum regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.

A senior police officer mentioned that the MPs were informed that only 30 could proceed to the Election Commission, and they would be escorted once their names were confirmed by the EC.

In anticipation of the march, security measures were heightened near the Election Commission headquarters, with barricades set up at various points along the route. Police personnel were deployed to ensure order and prevent any disturbances.

Additional security vehicles and quick response teams were stationed around the EC office and nearby roads to facilitate smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion.

The Opposition's march was primarily aimed at protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, which they claim is designed to manipulate electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections.

Furthermore, the Congress party is also voicing concerns over alleged large-scale manipulation of voter lists in the Mahadevapura constituency of Bengaluru during the 2023 Assembly elections.