Three FIRs filed over Delhi Opposition protest, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra named

Delhi Police have registered three FIRs in connection with the Opposition's protest in the national capital on Wednesday, with more cases expected to follow, officials said on Thursday.

The cases relate to allegations including assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police officers. The names of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra figure in the details of the FIRs registered so far.

The latest action came after INDIA bloc MPs were stopped by police while attempting to proceed towards Jantar Mantar for a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Rahul, Priyanka detained during protest

Rahul Gandhi was among the Opposition MPs detained during Wednesday's protest and was taken to Barakhamba Road Police Station. He was seen attempting to open a barricaded gate as police personnel prevented protesters from moving towards Jantar Mantar.

After being detained, Gandhi was seen waving at the media and displaying a victory sign.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also detained and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium Police Station. During the police action, she was seen lying on the ground and later alleged that force had been used against protesting MPs.

"What is the value of the Constitution in this nation? We will lay down our lives for the Constitution. No cost is too high for us," Priyanka Gandhi said while waving a copy of the Constitution from a police vehicle.

The Opposition has maintained that its protests are aimed at raising concerns over the electoral roll revision and seeking accountability from the Election Commission. Police, meanwhile, have cited restrictions on demonstrations and the need to maintain public order.

Rahul Gandhi vows to continue protests

Rahul Gandhi said the Congress and INDIA bloc would continue taking to the streets, facing arrests and legal cases in what he described as a fight to "save the Constitution and democracy".

In a post on X, he said the Congress and Opposition were prepared to protest "as many times as needed", face arrests and endure legal cases.

Gandhi alleged that an alliance between the Narendra Modi government and the Election Commission had been exposed and called for resignations and action. He also said the Opposition would continue its agitation until Gyanesh Kumar resigns.

"We are not going to stop protesting till Gyanesh Kumar resigns," Gandhi said, adding that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor Union Home Minister Amit Shah could stop the Opposition from continuing its campaign.

Earlier FIR over Akashvani Bhavan entry

The latest FIRs follow another case registered on Wednesday in connection with an Opposition protest the previous day.

Delhi Police had registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs after they allegedly entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during Tuesday's protest against the Election Commission of India.

The Opposition had planned a march from Parliament House towards Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission's headquarters. Police said no official permission had been sought or granted for the proposed march.

After the protesters were stopped near the Election Commission office, several Opposition leaders and MPs staged a sit-in. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra subsequently entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises along with other leaders and continued their protest there.

Police said the protesters were asked to vacate the premises but allegedly refused, insisting that they would not leave until a delegation of MPs was allowed to meet Election Commission officials.

Delhi Police eventually intervened, saying the action was necessary to maintain law and order and prevent the situation from escalating. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other protesters were removed from the premises and detained.

Opposition protest enters third day

The demonstrations have now continued for a third consecutive day, with Opposition parties maintaining their demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and raising allegations over the SIR exercise. The Election Commission and the Bharatiya Janata Party have rejected the Opposition's allegations.

The Wednesday protest saw police stop Opposition lawmakers before they could reach Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police have reiterated that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar require prior permission and that gatherings are subject to restrictions.

The fresh FIRs add another legal dimension to the increasingly tense confrontation between the Opposition and the government over the electoral roll revision and the Election Commission.

The Opposition has announced that it will continue its campaign, while security has been tightened in central Delhi amid further planned demonstrations.