Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The case stems from an unauthorized protest staged inside Akashvani Bhawan on Parliament Street.
The action followed a high-voltage political demonstration on Tuesday. The opposition INDIA bloc had organized a march toward the Election Commission of India at Nirvachan Sadan. As documented by The Indian Express, security forces halted the procession using multi-layered barricades. In a surprise maneuver, the Gandhi siblings bypassed the police cordon and entered the state broadcaster’s compound to stage a prolonged sit-in.
Unexpected Entry Into Akashvani Bhawan
The standoff began around midday along Parliament Street. Hundreds of opposition MPs and demonstrators attempted to advance toward the poll body’s headquarters. When security barricades blocked the roadway, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi slipped into the gates of Akashvani Bhawan.
According to reporting by The Times of India, the leaders sat on the floor inside the compound for several hours. Joined by fellow parliamentarians, they shouted slogans criticizing the poll body. Broadcast staff and visitors witnessed intense security scrambles as central paramilitary forces quickly surrounded the building to prevent more protesters from forcing entry.
Legal Charges and Police Action
The complaint cited unlawful entry into a sensitive, high-security government installation. Officials stated that the demonstration disrupted daily administrative operations and restricted vehicular movement.
Police registered the case under relevant sections governing unlawful assembly, trespassing into public property, and violation of prohibitory orders. Senior officers pointed out that Section 144 was actively enforced across the New Delhi district. No official permissions had been granted to assemble or protest within broadcast premises.
Political Backdrop to the Demonstration
The clash is part of a widening dispute between the opposition and the Election Commission. Opposition leaders demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They allege procedural irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes to voter registration forms.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party sharply criticized the sit-in. Party spokespersons accused the Congress leadership of engaging in publicity stunts and creating public nuisance. In response, Congress functionaries asserted that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. They argued that restrictive barricades forced elected parliamentarians to seek alternative spaces to voice democratic grievances.
Aftermath and Next Steps
The demonstration concluded late Tuesday afternoon after police detained several leaders and cleared the premises. Authorities released the parliamentarians after a brief detention.
Investigators are currently examining security camera footage from the broadcaster’s entry points. Police officials confirmed that formal notices may soon be served to identify all individuals who entered the premises without authorization. Political tensions in the capital remain elevated as opposition parties plan further demonstrations in the coming days.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
