Chaos erupts as Opposition barred from taking out ‘vote theft’ march to ECI office

High intensify drama unfolded outside the Parliament on Monday as Opposition’s march to the Election Commission of India (ECI) office was barred by the authorities with stringent security personnel deployment and barricading. The MPs were whisked in DTC buses to the nearest Parliament Street Police Station, where they were released later.

Nearly 300 Opposition MPs, wearing white caps with a red cross on the words ‘SIR’ and “vote chori”, led by Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi tried to take out the march to EC office over the 'vote theft' charges. They accused the poll body of colluding with the BJP to facilitate their electoral goals through manipulation.

Holding placards with slogans such as "SIR: Stealing Democratic Rights" and "Vote Chori", the MPs raised their voices against the government and the ECI. As the MPs tried to proceed towards Nirvachan Sadan, they were prevented by security forces, including personnel from Delhi Police, RAF and CISF from marching ahead leading to sloganeering from the MPs who sat on the road inside barricaded area. The Opposition MPs raised slogans.

Several MPs clashed with the police, while several leaders, including SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC’s Sagarika Ghose, Congress’ Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, TMC’s Sushmita Dev and Congress members Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani climbed the barricades and raised slogans.

Amid the chaos, sloganeering, detention and sit-in protest, two TMC MPs — Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh fainted. Fellow politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, were seen attempting to revive them with water and first-aid. Baugh was shifted to hospital.

Later, scores of Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, were detained after their protests were stopped midway. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and his party colleague Jairam Ramesh were among other detained leaders.

Upon detention, Rahul Gandhi told the reporters: "This fight is not political but for saving the Constitution,"

Before being huddled into the bus, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, "... the truth is before entire country."

Prominent among those who participated in the march were NCP-SP’s Sharad Pawar, TR Baalu (DMK), Sanjay Raut (SS-UBT), Derek O’Brien (TMC), Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, AAP’s Sanjay Singh as well as other MPs from Opposition parties including the DMK, the RJD, Left parties.