Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 7: Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other INDIA bloc MPs, over their alleged unauthorised entry into Akashvani Bhavan during Tuesday’s protest against the Election Commission of India.

The protest was organised as part of the Opposition’s demands concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police said the INDIA bloc had planned to march from Parliament House to Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission headquarters, but had not obtained permission for the march.

After police stopped the protesters near the ECI office, several Opposition leaders staged a sit-in. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra later entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises along with other leaders and continued their protest.

According to Delhi Police, the protesters were asked to vacate the premises but refused, saying they would remain there until a delegation of MPs was allowed to meet Election Commission officials. Police subsequently intervened to clear the premises and detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other protesters.

Around 260 people, including 10 MPs, were detained during the protest and taken to New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp before being released.

The protest centred on Opposition allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

The FIR relates to the alleged forcible entry into the Akashvani Bhavan premises and the subsequent sit-in. Further details regarding the sections invoked in the case are awaited.