CEC row LIVE updates: Several INDIA bloc MPs detained by police during march to ECI

The march, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, began amid heavy security deployment and barricading in and around Parliament and the Election Commission headquarters

Updated - October 06, 2026 03:14 pm IST

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi among INDIA bloc leaders taking out a protest march to the Election Commission of India headquarters in New Delhi, on October 6, 2026 | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Opposition INDIA bloc MPs on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) began a march from the Parliament to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in New Delhi in protest of alleged “vote theft” and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This comes amid a series of nationwide campaigns against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over

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The march began amid heavy security deployment and barricading in and around Parliament and the Election Commission headquarters. Security personnel were stationed in the area much before the MPs began arriving. Heavy presence of RAF (Rapid Action Force) personnel was seen around Akashvani and the ECI headquarters area.

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The INDIA bloc leaders are expected to also meet President Droupadi Murmu to raise concerns over the SIR exercise. The protest call was issued after a meeting of 19 opposition parties on September 30.

Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, the RSS chief and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had destroyed democracy in the country, adding that he did not care what the BJP said and was standing there to protect democracy.

He alleged that Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah and the RSS chief had “hijacked” the country through “vote chori” carried out by the Chief Election Commissioner, and warned that all of them would face action.

What had been done to the country was treason, Mr. Gandhi said, declaring that none of them would be spared, be it Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, the RSS chief or Mr. Kumar.

Delhi Police personnel deployed for the protest were equipped with body cameras, in a heightened documentation measure, days after three women journalists alleged sexual harassment by police personnel during a previous demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Delhi Police wear body cameras at INDIA bloc protest, days after sexual harassment allegations

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Barricades, diversions and security restrictions turned key roads in Lutyens’ Delhi into long stretches of slow-moving traffic, as the INDIA bloc’s march towards the Election Commission disrupted movement across the New Delhi area.

Bumper-to-bumper traffic built up on several stretches, with vehicles inching forward amid diversions and intermittent stoppages. At several points, long queues spilled back onto adjoining roads as motorists struggled to find alternate routes through the heavily barricaded area.

The congestion left commuters stranded for prolonged periods, with several saying they were stuck for at least an hour. Some commuters abandoned their vehicles and switched to the Metro or walked to reach destinations in central Delhi.

Traffic was severely affected on the Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Rafi Marg, Parliament Street stretch, Motilal Nehru Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Prithviraj Road, Windsor Place, Ashoka Road, and Jantar Mantar Road.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav detained as INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament to the ECI HQ

Delhi Police detained SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on October 6, as INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament to the Election Commission HQ, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

A Congress activist climbed on top of the bus with NSUI flag. Just as he was waving the flag, two Delhi Police personnel climbed behind him and pulled him down.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during a protest march by the opposition alliance INDIA bloc in New Delhi on October 6, 2026, against the country's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar calling for his resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Photo: AFP

The Opposition wanted to do a peaceful march... This overwhelming [force] is not required, says Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil

Indian Youth Congress members attempt to break open Akashwani Bhawan gates, where protesting MPs, including the Gandhi siblings, are lodged by Delhi Police.