Opposition MPs Detained En Route to ECI, Rahul Gandhi Vows to Defend Constitution

Speedy Summary:

• Opposition MPs, including prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh yadav, staged a protest march on August 11, 2025, from Parliament House to teh Election Commission (EC) but were stopped by the police.
• The protest was centered on opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged voter disenfranchisement ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.
• among those detained during the protest were Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Jairam Ramesh.
• Protesters wore white caps with anti-SIR slogans such as “Vote Theft = Murder of Democracy” and carried banners alleging collusion between the EC and government.some opposition MPs climbed barricades in an attempt to move forward during the demonstration.
• Rahul Gandhi stated that the fight is about “saving the Constitution” rather than political rivalry.
• Jairam Ramesh wrote to request a meeting with EC officials over concerns regarding SIR practices impacting democracy. No meeting materialized before or after their march.
• Logjam over this issue has disrupted both houses of Parliament since July 21 when its monsoon session began.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The protest against Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision highlights tensions surrounding electoral transparency amid imminent state elections. While opposition groups’ claims focus on potential voter disenfranchisement via alleged irregularities in roll revision processes, it underscores broader democratic challenges where trust in institutional neutrality is vital for public confidence.

The detainment of leaders underscores escalating confrontation between Parliamentarians seeking greater dialog with constitutional agencies versus maintaining law-order parameters amidst disruptions parliamentary efficacy –