Priyanka Gandhi Calls Protesters’ Detention in Delhi Proof of ‘Terrified’ Govt

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday criticised the detention of young protesters in Delhi, accusing the government of being “terrified” that questions over its legitimacy and demands for electoral accountability were gaining momentum.

Reacting to security restrictions imposed in the national capital during a protest organised by the CJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Vadra alleged that the authorities were infringing on citizens’ constitutional right to protest.

In a post on X, the Congress leader accused the government of first roughing up 254 MPs and detaining them, followed by similar action against protesters from Opposition parties.

She also alleged that Delhi had been placed under extensive security restrictions, with barricades, sealed routes, train and Metro disruptions, internet cuts and checkpoints. Vadra claimed that young men and women exercising their right to protest had been assaulted and detained.

“If this isn’t proof that they have cheated the elections with the collusion of the Election Commission, and are terrified that the illegitimacy of their government is being exposed and accountability is being demanded, then what is?” she wrote.

Vadra further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of running a dictatorship, describing efforts to undermine democracy as “treason against the nation”. These were her allegations against the government and the Election Commission.

Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh also criticised the security arrangements in Delhi, saying the national capital had been turned into a fortress in response to peaceful protests by young people.

In his post on X, Ramesh alleged that the protests concerned attempts to restrict the right to vote guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution. He accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of being unsettled by the demonstrations.

Ramesh also levelled allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that he had followed the instructions of the Modi government when appointed. He referred to the suspension of 145 Opposition MPs in December 2023 and alleged that legislation granting lifetime legal protection was subsequently passed through Parliament.

Calling for Kumar’s resignation, Ramesh said it had become a “moral imperative”. He added that the resignation would be only the first step towards restoring the foundations of democracy.

Ramesh also demanded that the Special Intensive Revision process be halted, alleging that the voting rights of nearly 14 crore Indians had already been taken away through the exercise.

He said cancelling the SIR process was necessary to restore public trust and confidence in the electoral system.

The Congress leaders’ remarks came amid continuing Opposition criticism of the electoral roll revision process and the role of the Election Commission. Their statements contained allegations against the government and the poll panel; the claims were not independently established in the material provided.