INDIA Bloc Protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi accuses Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of helping steal elections

Oct 6, 2026 03:09 PM

Oct 6, 2026 02:50 PM

Electoral process was compromised: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of helping “steal elections”, alleging that the electoral process was compromised.

Rahul said around 300 MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had gathered and wanted to meet Gyanesh Kumar and the other two Election Commissioners. He alleged that police stopped the MPs from reaching the Election Commission and kept them around 50 yards away from the office.

Rahul questioned why the Election Commission was unwilling to meet elected representatives, saying that such a situation raises questions about the meaning of democracy.

He claimed that Gyanesh Kumar was “afraid” to meet the MPs.

Responding sharply to a question from the media, Rahul said, “Do I look like a BJP worker to you?” He added that he was not interested in what the BJP said and was there to defend democracy.

Rahul accused Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Gyanesh Kumar and Mohan Bhagwat of contributing to what he described as the destruction of democracy in the country.

He claimed that young people across the country were aware of what was happening.

Rahul alleged that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah had “hijacked” the elections, while accusing Gyanesh Kumar of helping them.

He also criticised the police action against the protesting MPs and alleged that the police were acting in the same manner.

Rahul warned that those responsible would eventually be held accountable, alleging that their actions against the country amounted to “treason.”

Oct 6, 2026 01:40 PM

Police detain several protesters near Ashoka Road during the INDIA bloc’s protest against the ECI

Oct 6, 2026 01:10 PM

Traffic on Ashoka Road closed in view of INDIA Bloc protest against EC

Oct 6, 2026 12:59 PM

Oct 6, 2026 12:58 PM

Oct 6, 2026 12:56 PM

What we know so far...

• 19 opposition parties holding a ‘Save Democracy March’ demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
• Police stopped the opposition march, which was moving from the New Parliament building towards the Election Commission office.
• Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained and taken onto a police bus.
• The two later got off the bus and entered the Akashvani building, but came out shortly afterwards.
• Rahul and Priyanka are now sitting in protest outside the Akashvani building.
• The Election Commission office is around 270 metre from Akashvani.
• Police stopped the opposition MPs three times during the march.
• At one point, Rahul Gandhi climbed onto the barricades while carrying the Tricolour.
• Rahul was also seen holding a poster that read: “Gyanesh, It’s Done Bro.”
• The demonstration is the seventh opposition protest against the Election Commission in five days, with protests reported in Delhi and Mumbai.

Oct 6, 2026 12:54 PM

Rahul, Priyanka stage protest outside Akashvani Building; Akhilesh, Abhishek Banerjee detained 

Oct 6, 2026 12:52 PM

Oct 6, 2026 12:52 PM

Oct 6, 2026 12:49 PM

Opposition alliance lists five key demands

The Opposition alliance has put forward five key demands concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and the electoral process, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

Demand for CEC’s resignation

The Opposition has called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down. It has also sought cooperation in an inquiry into the alleged interference with electoral rolls.

Greater transparency in voter lists

The Opposition wants complete details of additions, deletions and corrections in electoral rolls to be made public at the booth and Assembly constituency levels. It has also demanded that voters should receive prior notice and an opportunity to appeal before their names are removed.

Concerns over SIR and deletion of voter names

The Opposition has raised concerns that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) could result in a large number of voters being excluded from electoral rolls. It has demanded that the voter lists existing before the SIR exercise be used for future elections.

Return to ballot papers

The alliance has called for replacing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers for elections. It has also sought a simpler registration process for first-time voters.

Call for Opposition unity

The Opposition parties have been urged to remain united on issues concerning transparency in the electoral process and institutional accountability. The alliance has maintained that the ultimate authority in a democracy should rest with the people.

Oct 6, 2026 12:47 PM

Akhilesh Yadav questions CEC’s neutrality, says ‘This is about saving democracy’

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is impartial, he should listen to the Opposition’s concerns.

Calling the protest an effort to protect democracy, Yadav also criticised the police response, saying protesters and children should not be treated in such a manner.

Oct 6, 2026 12:45 PM

Rahul, Priyanka trying to enter Akashvani Bhavan

Oct 6, 2026 12:45 PM

Akhilesh Yadav, Derek O’Brien, Abhishek Banerjee detained

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress leaders Derek O’Brien and Abhishek Banerjee, along with several other Opposition leaders, were detained after the police halted the INDIA bloc’s protest march on Parliament Street.

The leaders had been taking part in a sit-in demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They were subsequently taken away from the protest site in a police bus.

Oct 6, 2026 12:43 PM

Oct 6, 2026 12:41 PM

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi try to enter building near ECI office