Chaos in Delhi: Rahul Gandhi Detained, Mahua Moitra Collapses During ‘Vote Chori’ Protest
New Delhi: A wave of political drama swept through the capital on Monday as close to 300 Opposition MPs, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, hit the streets to protest alleged “Vote Chori” and irregularities in the recent elections. The march, aimed at reaching the Election Commission’s office, quickly spiraled into chaos when Delhi Police stopped the rally halfway, leading to detentions, scuffles, and even MPs vaulting over barricades.
The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of siding with the BJP to “steal” the public mandate. Loud slogans such as “SIR: Stealing Democratic Rights” and “Vote Chori” rang through the air as protesters moved from Parliament towards Nirvachan Sadan — until they were confronted by a heavy police blockade.
Protest Turns Chaotic: Leaders Faint, Barricades Breached
As temperatures and tempers soared, the protest took a toll on its participants. Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh collapsed during the march. While Moitra was revived with water and first aid on the spot, Baugh had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
The determination of the leaders, however, didn’t falter. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC’s Sushmita Dev, and Congress MPs Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani were among those who climbed over barricades to continue chanting slogans. In several spots, minor clashes broke out between the MPs and police personnel trying to restrain them.
Rahul Gandhi’s Statement After Detention
Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Jairam Ramesh, was taken into custody during the protest. Speaking to the media before being escorted away, Gandhi said,
“This is not a political fight — it’s about saving the Constitution. The truth is clear before the nation.”
Kharge echoed the sentiment, declaring,
“Our battle against SIR is to defend every citizen’s right to vote. BJP’s cowardly dictatorship will not prevail!”
Opposition Unity on Displa
The protest was a rare show of Opposition unity, with several top leaders marching side-by-side. Among them were DMK’s T R Baalu, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, TMC’s Derek O’Brien, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, and MPs from the RJD and Left parties.
With the streets of Delhi filled with slogans, barricades, and police resistance, the Opposition sent a clear message — they are prepared to confront what they call an assault on democracy, no matter the cost.
