Rahul Gandhi Detained Amid ‘Vote Chori’ Protest at Delhi EC Office

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In a high-stakes display of opposition unity, nearly 300 MPs led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi marched to the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Delhi on Monday, demanding accountability for alleged electoral malpractices dubbed ‘vote chori’. The protest, accusing the EC of colluding with the ruling BJP to manipulate elections through electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter list tampering, quickly escalated into chaos as Delhi Police blocked the procession. This led to multiple detentions, including that of Rahul Gandhi, and dramatic scenes where TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh fainted during the scuffle, requiring immediate medical attention.

MPs including Rahul Gandhi detained after cops blocked INDIA bloc protest. Vote Chori

The march, starting from Parliament premises, highlighted growing concerns over electoral integrity, especially after recent by-elections in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra where opposition parties claimed irregularities. For more on the history of EVM controversies, check our detailed guide on Indian election reforms. As MPs carried placards reading “SIR: Stealing Democratic Rights” and “Vote Chori Band Karo,” the atmosphere turned tense when police barricades halted their progress midway. Leaders like SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and TMC’s Sushmita Dev climbed over barriers, raising slogans against the government and EC.

Dramatic Turn of Events

Footage from the scene captured the intensity, with MPs sitting on the road in a dharna (sit-in protest) after being stopped. Rahul Gandhi, detained along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, later told reporters, “This fight is not political but for saving the Constitution… the truth is before the entire country.” Kharge echoed this, asserting, “BJP’s cowardly dictatorship will not work! Our battle is to protect the people’s right to vote.”

Amid the sloganeering and clashes, two TMC MPs collapsed. Mahua Moitra, known for her fiery parliamentary speeches, fainted due to the heat and chaos, while Mitali Baugh required hospitalization after losing consciousness. Fellow politicians rushed to revive them with water, but Baugh was shifted to a nearby hospital for observation. Opposition leaders condemned the police action, claiming it was an attempt to suppress democratic dissent. For similar incidents, see our coverage of past opposition protests.

The protest drew MPs from various parties, including DMK’s T R Baalu, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, TMC’s Derek O’Brien, Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and RJD’s representatives, showcasing rare cross-party solidarity. Akhilesh Yadav, who jumped the barricades, later posted on X, “The EC must answer for vote theft—democracy is under siege.” Social media was abuzz with videos of the event, trending under #VoteChori and #SaveDemocracy, with users praising the opposition’s resolve but criticizing the government’s heavy-handed response.

Background on ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations

The ‘vote chori’ narrative stems from long-standing claims of EVM vulnerabilities and voter suppression. Opposition parties have accused the EC of bias, citing instances like the 2024 Lok Sabha elections where discrepancies in voter turnout data raised red flags. A recent Supreme Court petition by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) demanded 100% VVPAT verification, fueling the protest. The EC has denied these allegations, stating that EVMs are tamper-proof, but the opposition demands an independent audit. For a deeper dive, read our analysis of EVM controversies.

This isn’t the first time such protests have turned chaotic. In 2019, similar marches against EVMs led to detentions, and the 2023 Delhi Ordinance protests saw opposition leaders facing police action. The current agitation follows the BJP’s narrow victory in recent by-elections, where the opposition claimed ‘manipulation’ through bogus voting and EC inaction.

Samajwadi Party Supremo Akhilesh Yadav climbing over a barricade during the march to the ECI office on August 11, 2025.

Reactions and Implications

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra dismissed the protest as “desperate theatrics,” accusing the opposition of undermining institutions to hide their electoral failures. “The EC is independent; this is just noise before the next polls,” he said on X. Meanwhile, civil society groups like Common Cause have supported the call for transparency, urging a parliamentary debate on electoral reforms.

The incident has sparked concerns over freedom of protest, with human rights activists pointing to increasing restrictions on dissent. Mahua Moitra, recovering from her fainting spell, tweeted, “We won’t be silenced—vote chori is real, and we’ll fight it.” Mitali Baugh’s hospitalization highlighted the physical toll, with TMC leader Derek O’Brien demanding an inquiry into police conduct.

This event could unify the opposition further ahead of the 2026 state elections, where EVM trust will be a key issue. The Congress has vowed to continue the campaign, planning nationwide rallies. As the detained leaders were released later that evening, Rahul Gandhi reiterated, “Our resolve is stronger than ever to protect India’s democratic fabric.”

The protest also drew international attention, with reports in The Guardian and BBC noting India’s growing political polarization. For global perspectives, explore our international news section.

Broader Context

Electoral integrity remains a hot-button issue in India, with the EC’s credibility questioned amid rising digital manipulation fears. A 2025 ADR report revealed over 5 crore ‘missing voters’ from rolls, intensifying demands for reforms. The ‘SIR’ slogan—Stealing Democratic Rights—has become a rallying cry, symbolizing perceived EC bias.

As tensions simmer, the government must address these concerns to restore faith in the system. The opposition’s strategy of street protests could reshape political discourse, but it risks further polarization.

Stay tuned to my blog for live updates on this developing story. What are your thoughts on the ‘vote chori’ allegations? Share below!

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