India's Gandhi siblings detained again as opposition protests Election Commission
Indian opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday after being stopped from leading a protest march to Jantar Mantar, the capital's designated demonstration site. The detentions mark the second consecutive day of confrontation between the Congress party and authorities over demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The siblings were among hundreds of opposition MPs who attempted to reach Jantar Mantar to protest against Kumar, whom they accuse of undermining the credibility of India's electoral system. Police halted buses carrying the MPs before they could reach the venue, leading to scuffles as some Congress lawmakers climbed atop vehicles and raised slogans.
What happened at the protest site?
Video footage from the scene showed women police personnel physically removing Priyanka Gandhi from the road where she had sat down in protest. Rahul Gandhi was escorted into a police bus as other MPs chanted anti-government slogans. The detentions came just hours after both leaders were released from custody following Tuesday's sit-in at Akashvani Bhavan, the state broadcaster's headquarters.
Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Gandhis and others after a complaint alleging they entered Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during Tuesday's protest. Police said investigations were ongoing.
Why is Rahul Gandhi calling FIRs a 'medal'?
Speaking to reporters before Wednesday's march, Rahul Gandhi made a provocative statement about the multiple legal cases filed against him.