A sudden decision by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to stage a sit-in at Akashvani Bhawan during an INDIA bloc protest in New Delhi has caused unease among some Opposition allies. The move came as INDIA bloc MPs were marching towards the Election Commission office on Tuesday and were stopped by police near the Reserve Bank of India building. The Congress decision to move to the All India Radio headquarters was reportedly taken without informing alliance partners in advance.

Congress leaders, speaking privately, acknowledged that the decision was made at short notice, leaving little time to coordinate with other parties. They also admitted that the move created suspicion among some allies, who felt the larger joint protest had been overshadowed by the Gandhi siblings. The development has exposed differences within the Opposition alliance over coordination and the conduct of protest programmes.

The INDIA bloc MPs had first demonstrated inside Parliament before marching towards Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission headquarters. Police stopped the protesters as they moved past the RBI building, following which several leaders sat down for a dharna. The sit-in continued into the night before police detained the protesters and took them to Parliament Street police station. An FIR was subsequently registered in connection with the protest.

Also Read: Election Commission Received No Meeting Request Amid Rahul Gandhi-Led INDIA Bloc Protest

As reports emerged that Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders were continuing the sit-in at Akashvani Bhawan, alliance partners contacted each other. The Trinamool Congress sent senior leader Derek O’Brien, while the Samajwadi Party sent Rampur MP Mohibbullah Nadvi. Some Opposition leaders questioned whether the protest, which was directed at the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner, should have involved a separate demand for a meeting with the poll panel.

Congress leaders defended the decision, arguing that surprise demonstrations had become necessary under the prevailing circumstances. They maintained that tightly planned protests could lose their impact and that allies could join later if they were unable to receive advance information. Congress leaders also cited earlier surprise protests, including demonstrations near the Prime Minister’s residence and Parliament Street police station, where other Opposition parties joined after the initial action.

The episode has nevertheless raised fresh questions about coordination within the INDIA bloc as its constituent parties attempt to maintain a united front against the government and the Election Commission. Congress leaders indicated that similar surprise protests by Rahul Gandhi and the party could continue. Meanwhile, the detention of the protesters and the separate presence of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi at Akashvani Bhawan added another point of discussion among alliance partners.

Also Read: INDIA Bloc Leaders Rahul, Priyanka And Akhilesh Detained During Delhi Protest Against SIR