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INDIA-Bloc March to the Election Commission Halted: MPs Detained in ‘Vote Chori’ Protest
On August 11, 2025, a protest march led by the INDIA-bloc MPs from Parliament Hill to the Election Commission of India (ECI) was met with force, resulting in dramatic detentions and the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament.
Protest Genesis: SIR & Allegations of “Vote Chori”
The root of the protest lies in the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar—a move that the opposition decries as a ploy to manipulate voter lists ahead of the state elections. INDIA-bloc leaders accused the exercise of enabling large-scale voter exclusion and fraud, invoking the slogan “vote chori” (vote theft) during their march.
Permission Denied, Tensions Rise
Despite planning the march, the INDIA bloc did not secure police approval. Delhi Police announced they had only authorized 30 MPs to approach the ECI for a formal interaction. However, over 300 MPs turned up to protest, drastically exceeding the allowed limit and prompting police intervention.
Confrontation Near Transport Bhawan
The march commenced around 11:30 am, from the Parliament’s Makar Dwar, with legislators wearing white caps marked with a red cross over “SIR” and “vote chori.” Many chanted slogans, waved placards, and even sang the national anthem. A heavy police presence and barricades at Transport Bhawan effectively blocked their path.
MPs Defy Barricades
Some opposition deputies resorted to bold measures—Akhilesh Yadav was captured on camera leaping over the barricade. Other women MPs, including TMC’s Mahua Moitra and Sushmita Dev, along with Congress members Sanjana Jatav and Jothimani, climbed the barricades to continue their protest.
Detentions and Health Scares
The escalation reached a peak when the Delhi Police detained over 30 opposition MPs, including prominent figures such as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sanjay Raut, and Sagarika Ghose. The detainees were transported to the Parliament Street Police Station.
The protest turned physically taxing—TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Mitali Bagh fainted amidst the tumult and were attended to by fellow MPs.
Arrests, Releases, and Parliamentary Standstill
The detentions triggered a halt in parliamentary proceedings—both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until the afternoon. The detained MPs were released approximately two hours later.
Defiant Responses from Opposition Leaders
Despite the chaos, Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the police van, declared the protest was not political theater but a fight “to save the Constitution” and uphold “one person, one vote.”
Priyanka Gandhi didn’t hold back either: “They are afraid; the government is cowardly.”
Mallikarjun Kharge chastised the BJP for attempting to undermine democracy, calling the SIR exercise an attack on voting rights.
Akhilesh Yadav, dodging barricades, yelled, “They are using the police to stop us,” asserting the opposition was fighting for people’s votes.
Audio defiance also echoed from Shashi Tharoor, who criticized the ECI’s silence on the data-related concerns, urging it to address the public’s doubts to preserve its credibility.
Broader Dialogue and Backlash
The Election Commission did extend an offer to meet with a delegation of MPs—limited to 30 individuals with vehicle details submitted—in response to formal requests.
On the other hand, BJP leaders condemned the march, framing it as an anarchistic tactic undermining constitutional institutions. Union ministers accused the opposition of spreading lies about the electoral process and abusing its procedural space.
What This Means for Democracy
- Electoral Integrity in Focus: The INDIA-bloc’s heavy-handed protest spotlights a deep crisis of confidence in electoral processes and institutions, especially on the eve of Bihar’s assembly elections.
- Parliamentary Dynamics Disturbed: The protests and consequent adjournments disrupted legislative business, underscoring the high political stakes at play.
- Public Perception at an Inflection Point: With emotive slogans like “vote chori” and defiant visuals spreading fast, public sentiment around voter legitimacy and institutional fairness is likely to intensify.
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