Indian police briefly detained opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and several lawmakers during a protest in New Delhi over the ongoing revision of the country’s voter lists. The opposition alliance marched toward the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, demanding greater transparency and accountability in the electoral roll process.
Gandhi, a senior Congress Party leader, was seen standing on a police barricade while holding and waving the Indian national flag. Police stopped the protesters before they could reach the election commission’s headquarters and detained several opposition figures. They were released shortly afterward.
The opposition has accused the election authorities of carrying out changes that could remove eligible voters from electoral rolls. Critics have also alleged that the process could disproportionately affect minority and marginalised communities, including Muslims.
Gandhi strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protest, accusing his government of benefiting from what he described as “vote theft.” He also demanded accountability from election officials and warned that the controversy represented a serious threat to India’s democratic institutions.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the allegations. Party spokesman Sambit Patra accused opposition parties, particularly Congress, of deliberately attacking India’s democratic and constitutional institutions to strengthen Gandhi’s political position.
The dispute intensified after a recent report claimed that millions of names had been removed from voter lists since the revision process began in 2025. Opposition parties say the government and election authorities must provide clearer explanations for these changes.
The Election Commission has denied wrongdoing, saying the revision is designed to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls, identify fraudulent registrations and prevent illegal foreign residents from voting.
India’s Supreme Court has also entered the controversy, ordering the government and election authorities to explain decisions connected with the voter list revision. Another hearing is expected next week as opposition parties prepare for further demonstrations.
The dispute has become a major political confrontation, with opposition leaders calling for stronger safeguards to ensure that eligible citizens can participate in future elections.
