Synopsis:
Vote Theft protest in Delhi turns dramatic as police detain Rahul Gandhi and several Opposition MPs. Mahua Moitra faints, Akhilesh Yadav jumps barricades amid clashes over alleged electoral malpractice.
By Dr. Mohammad Farooque | Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | August 11, 2025
Opposition’s March Turns into Street Showdown
Vote Theft allegations brought the Opposition to Delhi’s streets on Monday, with nearly 300 MPs marching towards the Election Commission in protest. Led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the demonstration aimed to denounce alleged manipulation in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in poll-bound Bihar.
The march, however, was blocked midway by the Delhi Police, sparking a volatile standoff. Lawmakers clashed with security personnel, some climbing barricades to continue their protest. Among them were SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool leaders Mahua Moitra and Sushmita Dev, and Congress MPs Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani.
Detentions, Fainting Spells, and Barricade Jumps
The tension escalated as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained. In the melee, two Trinamool MPs—Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh—collapsed, with Baugh rushed to hospital. Later, Congress MP Sanjana Jatav also fainted and was taken to RML Hospital.
Akhilesh Yadav was seen leaping over barricades, while placards reading “SIR: Stealing Democratic Rights” and “Vote Chori” waved above the crowd. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of “cowardly dictatorship,” asserting the fight was for the people’s right to vote. Rahul Gandhi told reporters, “This fight is not political, but to save the Constitution… the truth is before the entire country.”
Police Restrictions and Parliamentary Disruption
According to the Delhi Police, permission was granted for only 30 MPs to approach the Election Commission, but the Opposition’s larger march had no official sanction. The standoff coincided with disruptions in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which were adjourned until 2 pm as the protests intensified.
Prominent figures from the DMK, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Left parties joined the march, which began near Parliament at 11:30 am, heading towards Nirbachan Sadan via Transport Bhawan. The vote theft protest, marked by slogans, detentions, and street sit-ins, became one of the most dramatic Opposition mobilisations in recent months.
