NEW DELHI — Police detained opposition leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to lead a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence. The standoff, which brought traffic in the Lutyens’ zone to a standstill, followed days of escalating tension between the Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Officers dragged Gandhi into a waiting police van as he sat on the road, surrounded by a heavy security detail. He was taken to a nearby police station, though authorities have yet to confirm if formal charges will be filed.
The protest centers on allegations of government interference in federal investigative agencies. Congress leaders claim the Enforcement Directorate is being weaponized to silence political dissent, a charge the BJP denies. BJP spokespersons argue the agencies are acting independently to combat corruption, dismissing the protests as a desperate attempt to deflect from legal scrutiny.
The scene outside 7, Lok Kalyan Marg was chaotic. Barricades were pushed aside, and riot police were deployed to manage the growing crowds of party workers. By 3:00 p.m., police had cleared the main thoroughfare, though smaller pockets of demonstrators remained in the vicinity.
This isn’t the first time the Congress leader has faced detention during a public demonstration. Last year, Gandhi was picked up under similar circumstances during a rally against rising food prices. However, the proximity to the Prime Minister’s residence today signals a shift in tactics from the opposition, which appears intent on escalating its confrontation with the administration.
“They think they can intimidate us with walls and iron bars,” Gandhi shouted to reporters just before being pushed into the vehicle.
The government has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific security protocols triggered by the march. A senior Delhi police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the area around the Prime Minister’s home is a high-security zone where public gatherings are strictly prohibited.
As of Tuesday evening, Gandhi remains in custody. The Congress party has called for nationwide demonstrations tomorrow, suggesting the political fallout from today’s arrest is only beginning.
