‘Fight For One Man, One Vote’: Rahul As Police Detain Oppn MPs

On August 11, the Delhi Police detained several leaders from the INDIA bloc, including prominent figures such as Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Trinamool Congress’ Sagarika Ghose, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. The leaders were on their way to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to protest against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which they claim is a precursor to the upcoming assembly elections and raises serious allegations of “vote theft” from the previous year’s Lok Sabha polls.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chief, expressed his concerns regarding the government’s intentions after the Delhi Police halted the protest march. He stated, “If the government doesn’t allow us to reach the Election Commission, then we don’t understand what they are afraid of. All MPs were present in this march; we were marching peacefully. We wanted the Election Commission to call all MPs for a meeting to present our respective sides, but the Election Commission is saying that only 30 members should come. How is this possible?”

The protest escalated when Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, was seen jumping over a police barricade as officers attempted to prevent the Opposition MPs from advancing. The situation intensified outside the ECI in New Delhi, where Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh fainted amid the chaos, prompting fellow lawmakers to provide water and first aid. Mitali Baugh was subsequently taken to the hospital for further medical attention.

Following their detention, Rahul Gandhi addressed reporters, asserting, “They (ECI) cannot talk, and this is the reality. The truth is in front of the nation. This protest march is not political; it is a fight to protect the Constitution; it is a fight for ‘One man, one vote’. This is why we want a clean and pure voter list.” His remarks underscored the gravity of the situation and the Opposition’s commitment to ensuring electoral integrity.

Before the march, Yadav highlighted the ongoing issues with the Election Commission, stating, “This is not the first time that fingers are being pointed at the Election Commission. The Samajwadi Party had made complaints earlier as well, during the UP by-elections. Police personnel were present at polling booths in civilian clothes and were working to ensure maximum votes were cast in favour of the BJP… Votes were looted in the Milkipur by-elections.” He questioned the ECI’s “inaction,” asking, “Why did the Election Commission not take action against officials involved in the vote theft? We are relieved that, at least in Karnataka, there is a Congress government. If we had been in power in UP, we would have taken action against the Election Commission officers. We hope Congress takes action against dishonest officers in Karnataka.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed frustration over the lack of parliamentary discussion on the issue, stating, “We had demanded a discussion in Parliament on the issue of vote theft, but it did not happen. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of Opposition, gave a detailed presentation on vote theft, but the government is not allowing it to be discussed in the House.” This sentiment was echoed by Pramod Tiwari, who emphasized that the Opposition’s protest march aimed to “safeguard democracy” and “seek answers to the five points raised by Rahul Gandhi.”

Tiwari further remarked, “Following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, we will peacefully and patiently march to the ECI. We have full faith that the Election Commission will awaken and take a stand; it will move forward to protect democracy and uphold the Constitution.” This commitment to non-violence and democratic principles was a recurring theme among the leaders.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP during elections, stating, “The Constitution grants everyone the right to vote, but this is being violated due to the collusion between the Election Commission and the BJP. This is unfortunate for the country. They had to give us time for a meeting out of necessity.” She emphasized the importance of the questions raised by Rahul Gandhi, noting, “The questions raised by Rahul Gandhi are important. He has presented facts in the media. Earlier, the Election Commission demanded proof; when proof was given, they are now asking for an affidavit. Why do you need it? Rahul Gandhi is the LoP and he presented the evidence from the ECI’s electoral roll itself, so why do we need an affidavit?”

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather highlighted the significance of the march, stating, “The march of 300 Opposition MPs to the Election Commission shows how grave the issue is.” She reiterated the INDIA bloc’s commitment to protecting democracy, saying, “We have repeatedly raised the matter, taking different steps and modes of protest both inside and outside Parliament, seeking a discussion on SIR. Now, Rahul Gandhi has categorically and in a very elaborate press conference raised very important issues. However, the EC, instead of responding, is taking a strange stand.”

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav called for a more drastic approach, stating, “There is a need to fight a war against these people. The Election Commission is an enemy of democracy and the Constitution. The Lok Sabha needs to be completely dissolved, and the Supreme Court should summon the Election Commission and defame it.” This sentiment of urgency and frustration was echoed by SP MP Rajeev Kumar Rai, who asserted, “The Opposition cannot remain mere spectators when democracy is being trampled, when votes are being stolen and looted, and when our voices are not being heard in Parliament.”