Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday during a protest near Jantar Mantar over allegations of electoral irregularities and the Opposition's demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The action came a day after Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders were detained following a prolonged protest near the Election Commission office.

The latest protest followed a strategy meeting of INDIA bloc leaders hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Central Delhi. Gandhi had announced that Opposition leaders would proceed towards Jantar Mantar, a designated protest location, to continue their campaign over allegations of "vote chori" and concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has maintained that meetings with delegations are governed by established protocol.

As the leaders travelled towards the protest venue, Delhi Police stopped them and put up barricades. Police said demonstrations at Jantar Mantar require prior permission and that applications are required in advance. The restrictions came amid heightened security in central Delhi following several days of protests related to the Election Commission and its handling of voter-list revision.

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The standoff resulted in the detention of Gandhi and other Opposition leaders. Earlier, on Tuesday, Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had remained at Akashvani Bhawan for several hours after Opposition leaders were prevented from reaching the Election Commission office. Police later detained them and other leaders, who were subsequently released.

The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and has demanded Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The poll panel has rejected the Opposition's allegations and said it follows established procedures for receiving delegations. It has also stated that requests for meetings outside its premises, including at Parliament House Annexe, were not in line with its protocol.

The continuing protests have intensified the political dispute between the Opposition and the Election Commission, with repeated attempts by INDIA bloc leaders to demonstrate in central Delhi. Police restrictions and detentions have accompanied the demonstrations, while Opposition leaders have indicated that they intend to continue raising their concerns over electoral-roll revision and the demand for action against the Chief Election Commissioner.

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