Govind Tekale
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other INDIA bloc leaders after their march toward the Election Commission of India ended in an approximately eight-hour sit-in inside Akashvani Bhawan on Ashoka Road. The criminal complaint formalized what had been a day-long standoff between opposition MPs and security forces in central Delhi.
INDIA bloc leaders, led by Congress MPs, marched toward the Election Commission demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls. Police barricades blocked the delegation before it reached the commission’s offices. The MPs moved into the premises of Akashvani Bhawan—All India Radio’s national headquarters—where they held a sit-in for approximately eight hours. Delhi Police registered a reported FIR citing provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for unauthorized entry and obstruction. Opposition leaders, including Pawan Khera, described the charges as “a badge of honour.” After the sit-in ended, bloc leaders dispersed following a strategy discussion.
The reported FIR initiates a formal criminal investigation, although the exact provisions charged will be confirmed only when the FIR is officially released. Separate legal steps by opposition leaders in response to the complaint are expected. The INDIA bloc’s legal position on the voter-roll dispute and any subsequent proceedings will set a contested backdrop for upcoming state assembly elections.
Voter Roll Disputes and the Protest
The INDIA bloc’s core demand centers on the Special Summary Revision process, through which the Election Commission periodically revises electoral rolls. Opposition parties allege the revision process has disenfranchised specific voter demographics. The Election Commission has not publicly responded to the delegation’s demands as of the time of this report.
Delhi Police registered the FIR following the unauthorized entry of the Akashvani Bhawan premises by the opposition delegation. Prohibitory orders had reportedly been in effect in parts of New Delhi at the time of the march. Read about earlier election commission protests in Delhi for the pattern of prior demonstrations in this cycle.
Why was an FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi at Akashvani Bhawan?
Delhi Police registered a reported FIR for unauthorized entry and obstruction after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other opposition leaders entered Akashvani Bhawan during a march toward the Election Commission of India.
The INDIA bloc held a parliamentary strategy meeting to determine next steps. Legal responses to the FIR are expected in the coming days. Check back for confirmed court dates and next moves as they are announced.
