Rahul Gandhi detained during protest against India’s election chief

NEW DELHI: Indian police detained opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and several lawmakers on Wednesday as opposition parties continued protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

It was the third time in two days that Gandhi and other opposition lawmakers were detained during demonstrations over a disputed revision of voter lists.

The opposition has accused the Election Commission of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. The controversy intensified after reports emerged of disagreements within the poll panel over changes to voter rolls.

Opposition parties have been holding repeated demonstrations and demanding that Kumar step down. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rejected allegations of electoral wrongdoing.

Wednesday’s protest followed a meeting of Congress lawmakers at a restaurant in central New Delhi. The lawmakers then planned to march towards Jantar Mantar, an area designated for public demonstrations.

Before leaving, Gandhi told reporters that the opposition would continue protesting against what he described as “vote theft”. He said the opposition did not consider Kumar a legitimate election commissioner and demanded his resignation.

Gandhi and other lawmakers travelled towards the protest site on a bus. Congress supporters walked alongside the vehicle while police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers.

Authorities blocked roads leading towards Jantar Mantar. The bus was forced to change its route.

Gandhi later stepped out of the vehicle and joined protesters on the road. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other lawmakers were also present.

Security personnel subsequently took Gandhi and Vadra into separate vehicles. Other opposition lawmakers were also detained.

Police did not immediately issue a detailed statement explaining the detentions.

The protests have added to political pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during his third term. Opposition parties have increasingly challenged the government over the independence and functioning of electoral institutions.

The dispute centres on changes to voter lists and allegations that the process could affect the fairness of elections. The Election Commission has rejected accusations of wrongdoing, while the BJP has also dismissed the opposition’s claims.

Kumar has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

The opposition, however, has vowed to continue its campaign and maintain pressure on the election authorities until its demands are addressed.