New Delhi: After loud protests and much jostling with security forces through the day as they tried to head towards Jantar Mantar, many opposition leaders including Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by the Delhi Police.
ThePrint’s photos from the protest venue show Priyanka resisting being taken away by police women by lying on the road and later holding aloft a copy of the Constitution as she boarded the police vehicle.
According to the Congress, Priyanka Gandhi said, “I will not move from here. This is how they treat MPs who simply want to meet the Election Commission. This is how they beat up MPs. Women police personnel have scratched me all over and thrown us to the ground. Let them call their forces back.”
Rahul Gandhi was seen blowing kisses to supporters gathered at the site, as the Opposition continued to press for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
For a second day, protesters and INDIA bloc MPs attempted to move past police barricades near Jantar Mantar, following which Delhi Police pushed the protesters back.
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi accused the Centre of “hooliganism” and alleged that Opposition MPs were being prevented from exercising their democratic rights.
Congress MP Pawan Khera also questioned the police action, saying the Opposition had a constitutional right to protest. “It is our democratic right. Article 19 grants us permission to protest in this manner, and Jantar Mantar is a designated spot; if we cannot stage a protest here, where else can we do it?” Khera said.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha alleged that force was used against the protesters and criticised the government’s handling of the demonstration.
Wednesday’s confrontation came a day after Opposition parties staged a protest march and dharna at Akashvani Bhawan, following which several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were detained.
