Priyanka Gandhi and MPs barred from meeting election commissioner stage street sit‑in in Delhi

Protest

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and a group of MPs were stopped from meeting the chief election commissioner in Delhi, leading them to stage a street protest. Police barred the delegation from moving forward, which angered Priyanka Gandhi and several female MPs who then lay down on the road to show their dissent. Gandhi said the officials had pushed them and even assaulted them while they were trying to see the commissioner, calling the treatment unacceptable.

Reaction

Police, however, claimed the protesters had been the ones to assault officers and said bruises and scratches were visible on the MPs' bodies. Officers also attempted to persuade Rahul Gandhi to calm the crowd, but the demonstrators refused to withdraw. The protesters repeatedly shouted, 'Modi teri tanashahi nahi chalegi', 'Modi teri gundagardi nahi chalegi' and 'Delhi police teri gundagardi nahi chalegi', condemning the government's and police's actions. Gandhi added that they would not leave the spot until all their demands are met. Reports also mentioned that the protest was directed against Gyanesh Kumar.

Context

Such street sit‑ins are a common tactic used by opposition parties in India when access to officials is denied. The chief election commissioner oversees the conduct of elections and meeting him is considered essential for party leaders during election periods.