Rahul, Priyanka detained during protest near PM’s residence

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New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with K C Venugopal, were among those detained by Delhi Police after they entered the Akashvani Bhawan premises and staged a protest near the PM’s residence, the police said on Tuesday.  Later, police released them.

Rahul earlier told the reporters that INDIA bloc MPs would continue their protest against the Election Commission including a demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

Speaking inside the Akashvani Bhavan premises in Delhi, Gandhi said the Constitution allowed political parties to protest and urged the Delhi Police to provide an alternative venue if they objected to the demonstration.

“We are not only going to counter them, but we will destroy them,” Gandhi said, referring to the BJP. He accused the ruling party of undermining India’s democratic system and said he was protesting to “save the democracy of India”.

He said about 300 MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had joined the protest, adding that young people across the country also understood what was happening. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present at the protest.

While commenting on Rahul’s statement, Union minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the demonstration and accused  the Congress of repeatedly attacking institutions including the Election Commission and Supreme Court.

He said the Congress should focus on serving people rather than staging protests, arguing that public support was earned through work and electoral mandates.