Tensions increased in central Delhi on Wednesday as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with other Opposition leaders, led an unscheduled flash protest against the Election Commission of India and the central government.
The protest took place amid heightened political tensions over the electoral roll revision process. Opposition leaders moved towards Jantar Mantar as Delhi Police increased security around the area.
Delhi Police, along with Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force personnel, deployed additional forces in central Delhi. Barricades were placed on roads leading towards Jantar Mantar and areas around the Election Commission.
The increased security affected movement in parts of central Delhi as police attempted to control the gathering. Protesters reportedly tried to move forward in buses while security personnel monitored the situation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien were among the Opposition leaders who spoke against the restrictions. They said authorities were preventing Opposition parties from holding demonstrations.
The leaders maintained that they would continue raising their concerns despite the possibility of detention. The protest was presented as a united Opposition action over concerns surrounding the electoral process.
A notable feature of the demonstration was the use of the Indian national flag instead of individual party flags. Opposition leaders said the protest was aimed at defending democratic processes and raising concerns over the electoral system.
Security was further strengthened around Jantar Mantar as the situation developed. Police personnel remained positioned at key entry points and along roads approaching the protest location.
The latest demonstration comes after several Opposition protests in Delhi over the Election Commission and the electoral roll revision process. The issue has become a major political flashpoint between the government and Opposition parties.
Further developments are expected as police assess the situation and determine whether protesters will be detained or allowed to continue their demonstration.