The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of defaming India before an international audience, a day after he told the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad that democracy was destroyed in the country in 2014. BJP leader CR Kesavan called it “Bharat Badnaam Summit”. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that Gandhi sought regime change "with foreign help".Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made the remarks on Saturday at the valedictory session of the summit, hosted by the Telangana government.“The Congress party-sponsored Bharat summit was in reality Bharat Badnaam Summit – where Rahul Gandhi and his cronies badmouthed our nation and our democracy in the most foul manner," wrote CR Keshav.BJP leaders also questioned the presence of certain foreign guests, citing alleged links to billionaire George Soros. Congress has not been reported to have responded directly to the Soros allegation. Telangana BJP chief N Ramachandra Rao criticised the state government for spending public money on what he called a "political summit".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/akhilesh-yadav-congress-181-seats-up-assembly-election-2027-1794721982740">Akhilesh Yadav hints Congress wants 181 seats in UP, confirms Ram Mandir visit</a><h2>What did Gandhi say?</h2>Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the ruling BJP, accusing some of its leaders of behaving like "fascists". He said that the opposition was in “shock” and failed to grasp the change in the political landscape post-2014. He also claimed that the country was “no longer a democracy.”"Fascists tend to have a louder voice. Historically, fascists emerge when systems collapse. When everything is working, they go into hiding. But when systems and structures collapse, they suddenly emerge, create a nuisance for a little while, and then disappear again," said Gandhi.On electoral rolls, he claimed that 140 million people who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election were later declared non-existent voters or non-voters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Indian democracy at the Bharat Summit, accusing Congress of defaming India and seeking foreign interference.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of defaming India before an international audience, a day after he told the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad that democracy was destroyed in the country in 2014. BJP leader CR Kesavan called it “Bharat Badnaam Summit”. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that Gandhi sought regime change "with foreign help".Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made the remarks on Saturday at the valedictory session of the summit, hosted by the Telangana government. “The Congress party-sponsored Bharat summit was in reality Bharat Badnaam Summit – where Rahul Gandhi and his cronies badmouthed our nation and our democracy in the most foul manner," wrote CR Keshav. BJP leaders also questioned the presence of certain foreign guests, citing alleged links to billionaire George Soros. Congress has not been reported to have responded directly to the Soros allegation. Telangana BJP chief N Ramachandra Rao criticised the state government for spending public money on what he called a "political summit". Also Read: Akhilesh Yadav hints Congress wants 181 seats in UP, confirms Ram Mandir visit What did Gandhi say? Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the ruling BJP, accusing some of its leaders of behaving like "fascists". He said that the opposition was in “shock” and failed to grasp the change in the political landscape post-2014. He also claimed that the country was “no longer a democracy.” "Fascists tend to have a louder voice. Historically, fascists emerge when systems collapse. When everything is working, they go into hiding. But when systems and structures collapse, they suddenly emerge, create a nuisance for a little while, and then disappear again," said Gandhi. On electoral rolls, he claimed that 140 million people who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election were later declared non-existent voters or non-voters.

BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Indian democracy at the Bharat Summit, accusing Congress of defaming India and seeking foreign interference.

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of defaming India at Bharat Summit, alleges Soros link

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (November 14) accused the BJP-led government of weakening India's democratic system, claiming that democracy was "destroyed" in 2014 through the use of money power and the capture of institutions.&nbsp;Speaking at the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Gandhi alleged that large amounts of money entering the political system changed the country's electoral landscape.&nbsp;"In 2014, we witnessed a completely new election, something we've never seen before. Millions and millions and millions of dollars were injected into the political system," Gandhi said.&nbsp;He added that the changes had overturned the existing electoral system, which had previously seen close contests and coalition governments.&nbsp;"There was this crisis in Indian politics for a decade. And then suddenly, we discovered what was happening. We discovered it, and we have proven it without any doubt is that democracy was destroyed in India in 2014," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-fresh-iran-strikes-unless-tehran-provokes-us-trump-tells-advisers-report-1794668111347">No fresh Iran strikes unless Tehran provokes US, Trump tells advisers: Report</a><h3>Rahul Gandhi questions election legitimacy</h3>Gandhi claimed that 140 million people who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections had been declared either non-existent voters or non-voters a few months earlier.&nbsp;"140 million people who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election were declared as either non-existent voters or non-voters a few months ago," he said.&nbsp;Questioning the election results, Gandhi added: "If the election commission has declared 140 million voters illegal non-voters, then how is that election possibly legitimate?"&nbsp;He further alleged that the addition of seven million voters helped the BJP win the Maharashtra elections despite the Opposition alliance securing the same number of votes in both contests.&nbsp;Gandhi also alleged that the BJP had blurred the line between business and politics, citing Gautam Adani's rise in wealth and claiming that the party's assets had grown elevenfold in a decade.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The line between business and politics, between Adani and PM Modi, has evaporated," he said<h3>'We are going to defeat PM Modi': Rahul Gandhi</h3>In another strong attack on the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah, Gandhi expressed confidence that the Opposition would defeat the BJP-led government.&nbsp;"I can tell you already, with confidence, that we are going to defeat PM Modi and we are going to get rid of PM Modi," he said.&nbsp;Pointing to what he described as growing public discontent, Gandhi said the political mood was changing across the country, including in Delhi.&nbsp;"And you can see it, you can see it on our streets, you can see it in Delhi, you can see it in the fear that the Prime Minister and HM Amit Shah have. This is already a done deal," he added.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the use of money power and institutional capture weakened democracy, raising questions over electoral legitimacy.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (November 14) accused the BJP-led government of weakening India's democratic system, claiming that democracy was "destroyed" in 2014 through the use of money power and the capture of institutions. Speaking at the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Gandhi alleged that large amounts of money entering the political system changed the country's electoral landscape. "In 2014, we witnessed a completely new election, something we've never seen before. Millions and millions and millions of dollars were injected into the political system," Gandhi said. He added that the changes had overturned the existing electoral system, which had previously seen close contests and coalition governments. "There was this crisis in Indian politics for a decade. And then suddenly, we discovered what was happening. We discovered it, and we have proven it without any doubt is that democracy was destroyed in India in 2014," he said. Also Read: No fresh Iran strikes unless Tehran provokes US, Trump tells advisers: Report Rahul Gandhi questions election legitimacy Gandhi claimed that 140 million people who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections had been declared either non-existent voters or non-voters a few months earlier. "140 million people who voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election were declared as either non-existent voters or non-voters a few months ago," he said. Questioning the election results, Gandhi added: "If the election commission has declared 140 million voters illegal non-voters, then how is that election possibly legitimate?" He further alleged that the addition of seven million voters helped the BJP win the Maharashtra elections despite the Opposition alliance securing the same number of votes in both contests. Gandhi also alleged that the BJP had blurred the line between business and politics, citing Gautam Adani's rise in wealth and claiming that the party's assets had grown elevenfold in a decade. "The line between business and politics, between Adani and PM Modi, has evaporated," he said 'We are going to defeat PM Modi': Rahul Gandhi In another strong attack on the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah, Gandhi expressed confidence that the Opposition would defeat the BJP-led government. "I can tell you already, with confidence, that we are going to defeat PM Modi and we are going to get rid of PM Modi," he said. Pointing to what he described as growing public discontent, Gandhi said the political mood was changing across the country, including in Delhi. "And you can see it, you can see it on our streets, you can see it in Delhi, you can see it in the fear that the Prime Minister and HM Amit Shah have. This is already a done deal," he added.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the use of money power and institutional capture weakened democracy, raising questions over electoral legitimacy.

'Democracy was destroyed in 2014': Rahul Gandhi questions legitimacy of elections at Bharat Summit in Hyderabad

For Rahul Gandhi, the proof is not in the pudding, but in his phone. That's what he said today as he accused PM Narendra Modi of tapping his phone! he said all the proof of PM Modi's alleged foreign connection is in his phone. And that's not all. The Leader of the Opposition has once again thrown down the gauntlet, challenging PM Modi to a one-on-one public debate. As Rahul answered questions on an ask-me-anything live chat on Instagram, he said the proof of his allegations agianst pm modi is inside his mobile phone. Remember, so far Rahul Gandhi has not presented any independently verifiable technical evidence to substantiate his phone-tapping allegation.

Rahul also questioned the functioning of the Parliament, alleging that he has not been allowed to speak freely and that his microphone has been switched off during important discussions. He cited issues including the farmers' protests, electoral rolls and other matters on which he says he wants answers from the government. The BJP meanwhile has hit back, asking him to support his allegations with evidence, which should be presented publicly. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked Rahul to raise the issues in Parliament, saying the government is prepared for discussion and that a special session could be convened if Congress makes a formal request. But the bigger issue goes beyond political rhetoric. If a phone is allegedly being tapped, where is the technical evidence? Who authorised the surveillance? At the same time, if the Opposition wants answers from the government, should a direct public debate be ruled out? &nbsp;

Rahul also questioned the functioning of the Parliament, alleging that he has not been allowed to speak freely and that his microphone has been switched off during important discussions. 

For Rahul Gandhi, the proof is not in the pudding, but in his phone. That's what he said today as he accused PM Narendra Modi of tapping his phone! he said all the proof of PM Modi's alleged foreign connection is in his phone. And that's not all. The Leader of the Opposition has once again thrown down the gauntlet, challenging PM Modi to a one-on-one public debate. As Rahul answered questions on an ask-me-anything live chat on Instagram, he said the proof of his allegations agianst pm modi is inside his mobile phone. Remember, so far Rahul Gandhi has not presented any independently verifiable technical evidence to substantiate his phone-tapping allegation.

Rahul also questioned the functioning of the Parliament, alleging that he has not been allowed to speak freely and that his microphone has been switched off during important discussions.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of phone tapping, demands debate | RTP

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a one-on-one public debate, claiming that the prime minister would not remain in office after facing him in a direct exchange.


Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to one-on-one debate 

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday (Nov 07) accused major oil marketing companies of supplying petrol with ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit. Citing laboratory tests of samples collected from seven districts in Karnataka, he claimed that 11 of the 14 samples contained excess ethanol.&nbsp;In a post on X, the Congress leader questioned the quality of petrol being sold to consumers and accused the Narendra Modi government of failing to enforce the E20 limit.&nbsp;"E20 turns into '420' (a scam) — Petrol theft from the public's vehicles!" Gandhi wrote, adding that Karnataka had tested petrol samples at an accredited laboratory.&nbsp;Gandhi said samples from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) recorded 31.2 per cent ethanol, while those from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) showed 30.5 per cent.&nbsp;He alleged that samples from public and private companies, including IOCL, HPCL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Nayara and Shell, exceeded the prescribed limit. He also claimed that the companies' internal laboratories had not disclosed ethanol levels.&nbsp;Warning about the impact on consumers, Gandhi said excess ethanol could reduce vehicle mileage and increase maintenance costs.&nbsp;"Your vehicle is not designed to handle such high levels of ethanol—this leads to reduced mileage and frequent trips to the mechanic," he said.&nbsp;He also questioned why petrol pumps did not display the actual ethanol content in fuel and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify the levels being supplied across the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-detains-harry-boxer-lawrence-bishnoi-aide-linked-to-firing-outside-rohit-shetty-s-home-1794034479167">US detains Harry Boxer, Lawrence Bishnoi aide linked to firing outside Rohit Shetty's home</a>&nbsp;"When will action be taken against the companies that are adulterating fuel beyond the 20% limit?" he asked, reiterating his challenge for a debate with the Prime Minister.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">E20 बना 420 - जनता की गाड़ी से पेट्रोल चोरी! 

मोदी सरकार कहती है - पेट्रोल में 20% एथेनॉल है। कर्नाटक सरकार ने 7 ज़िलों से पेट्रोल के सैंपल लेकर मान्यता प्राप्त लैब में जाँच करवाई।

नतीजा देखिए
- 14 में से 11 सैंपल में 20% से ज़्यादा एथेनॉल
- IOCL में 31.2%, HPCL में 30.5%
- IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, Nayara, Shell - सरकारी हों या प्राइवेट - सब सीमा से ऊपर
- और कंपनियों की अपनी लैब ने एथेनॉल की मात्रा रिपोर्ट में लिखी ही नहीं

मतलब आप पैसा महंगे पेट्रोल का दे रहे हैं, टंकी में एथेनॉल भरा जा रहा है। नुकसान किसका? आपका। 

आपकी गाड़ी इतना एथेनॉल पचाने के लिए बनी ही नहीं - मतलब, घटता माइलेज, बार-बार मैकेनिक। शौक से ली गई गाड़ी की बर्बादी।

और पंप पर लिखा तक नहीं कि टंकी में क्या डाला जा रहा है - चुनने का कोई विकल्प नहीं।

मोदी जी, बताइए - देश की टंकी में क्या भरा जा रहा है? पेट्रोल में असल में कितना एथेनॉल है? 20% से ज़्यादा मिलावट करने वाली कंपनियों पर कार्रवाई कब होगी?

और डिबेट की चुनौती अब भी खड़ी है। ये मुद्दा भी जोड़ लेंगे - आपकी नीतियों से असल में फ़ायदा किसे हो रहा है?&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2118916279365181862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Oil companies reject Karnataka findings</h3>The allegations come after Karnataka's Department of Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology claimed that petrol sold at certain outlets in the state contained between 26 and 31 per cent ethanol.&nbsp;However, IOCL, BPCL and HPCL rejected the findings, saying the tests did not follow prescribed statutory and technical procedures.&nbsp;"E20 petrol supplied by the three OMCs across the country, including Karnataka, conforms to IS 17021," the companies said, referring to the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for ethanol-blended motor gasoline.&nbsp;Moreover, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also accused the Centre of misleading consumers over ethanol blending limits.&nbsp;Citing reports from laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), he claimed that ethanol content had reached 35 to 40 per cent in some samples.&nbsp;"The Government of India is lying through its teeth to the people," Kharge said, alleging that the test results showed ethanol levels exceeding the limits announced by the Centre.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Centre over Karnataka's petrol test findings, alleging that oil companies supplied fuel with ethanol levels exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit and demanding accountability from the Modi government.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday (Nov 07) accused major oil marketing companies of supplying petrol with ethanol content exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit. Citing laboratory tests of samples collected from seven districts in Karnataka, he claimed that 11 of the 14 samples contained excess ethanol. In a post on X, the Congress leader questioned the quality of petrol being sold to consumers and accused the Narendra Modi government of failing to enforce the E20 limit. "E20 turns into '420' (a scam) — Petrol theft from the public's vehicles!" Gandhi wrote, adding that Karnataka had tested petrol samples at an accredited laboratory. Gandhi said samples from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) recorded 31.2 per cent ethanol, while those from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) showed 30.5 per cent. He alleged that samples from public and private companies, including IOCL, HPCL, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Nayara and Shell, exceeded the prescribed limit. He also claimed that the companies' internal laboratories had not disclosed ethanol levels. Warning about the impact on consumers, Gandhi said excess ethanol could reduce vehicle mileage and increase maintenance costs. "Your vehicle is not designed to handle such high levels of ethanol—this leads to reduced mileage and frequent trips to the mechanic," he said. He also questioned why petrol pumps did not display the actual ethanol content in fuel and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify the levels being supplied across the country. Also Read: US detains Harry Boxer, Lawrence Bishnoi aide linked to firing outside Rohit Shetty's home "When will action be taken against the companies that are adulterating fuel beyond the 20% limit?" he asked, reiterating his challenge for a debate with the Prime Minister.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Centre over Karnataka's petrol test findings, alleging that oil companies supplied fuel with ethanol levels exceeding the prescribed 20 per cent limit and demanding accountability from the Modi government.

'E20 turns into 420': Rahul Gandhi slams Centre after Karnataka tests find over 30% ethanol in petrol

BJP attacked the Congress party on Tuesday over the viral video of left-wing student activist Neha Bora whom it accused of slandering the Hindu faith and echoing Rahl Gandhi’s ‘anti-Hindu tirade’. BJP called Bora the “poster girl” of Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu politics.&nbsp;Bora said in the video that women require protection from the ‘Brahmanical system’ and that priests commit rapes inside temples.BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said Bora’s remarks sounded like the anti-Hindu tirade of Congress party. He added that Bora’s remarks are similar to what Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had said and that her statement reflected an ideological campaign against Sanatan dharma.&nbsp;In 2014, reacting to the gang rape of a woman in Delhi, Rahul had remarked that people who go to temples to worship goddesses also molest women in buses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Slandering Sanatan, targeting the Hindu faith’</h2>&nbsp;“It’s the same Congress party which has used terms like ‘Hindu terror’. Recall that Neha Bora is inspired by Islamists in Bangladesh and this tells you that the entire Congress ideology and thinking are against the unity and integrity of India because they are slandering Sanatan and they are targeting the Hindu faith, which reflects their communal mindset. This further tells you that the DNA of the Congress party is anti-Hindu, anti-Constitution, anti-Sanatan,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Neha Bora poster girl of Rahul Gandhi displays her Hindu hate!

Says-&quot;Pujaris rape in temple&quot;

She is inspired from Rahul Gandhi who earlier had said &quot;Mandiro main ladkiyon ke sath ched chad hoti hai&quot;.

Congress Hates Hindus, loves vote bank!

Congress Soch is a threat to India's unity!&mdash; Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) <a href="https://x.com/pradip103/status/2117456715839115453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The latest row erupted after Bora of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) made the remarks while backing an impeachment resolution against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.“Protection is absolutely necessary - and it is precisely from the Brahmanical system that such protection is required. This is a system which posits that the poor, the oppressed, animals and women are all deserving of subjugation and abuse. It is the very same system under which even Brahmin women are unsafe and fall victim to rape. Priests commit rapes inside temples. We have witnessed such instances,” Bora said. <h2>‘Simply unacceptable’: Samajwadi Party on Bora’s remark</h2> Congress ally Samajwadi Party also distanced itself from the remark of Left-wing student leader, who gained limelight under the patronage of INDIA bloc leaders for criticising CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai said, “Making such a sweeping statement is not appropriate. Every religion has both good and bad people; we shouldn’t make such generalisations... We should avoid them. That is exactly what the BJP wants; why should we fall into their trap?”Rai, who represents the Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, firmly repudiated the AISA leader and said, “In this day and age, the kind of rhetoric being used is simply unacceptable. There is no basis for it. We shouldn’t make sweeping generalisations about any caste, community, religion, or region.” <h2>‘Derogatory language, radical thinking’</h2> Uddhav Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also called Bora’s remarks “unfortunate”. “It is highly unfortunate. While I believe this may be an old video, it reveals a mindset that asserts rapes happen in temples, are committed by priests, and that Brahmin women are unsafe. I generally avoid focusing on caste, but as a Brahmin woman myself, I must ask: is it appropriate to use such derogatory language? I have always maintained that this kind of radical thinking—whether from the Left or the Right—is harmful to the nation, the former Rajya Sabha member said.

BJP accused student activist Neha Bora of slandering the Hindu faith. The ruling party called Bora the “poster girl” of Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu politics. Bora had said that women require protection from the ‘Brahmanical system’ and that priests commit rapes inside temples.

BJP attacked the Congress party on Tuesday over the viral video of left-wing student activist Neha Bora whom it accused of slandering the Hindu faith and echoing Rahl Gandhi’s ‘anti-Hindu tirade’. BJP called Bora the “poster girl” of Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu politics. Bora said in the video that women require protection from the ‘Brahmanical system’ and that priests commit rapes inside temples. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said Bora’s remarks sounded like the anti-Hindu tirade of Congress party. He added that Bora’s remarks are similar to what Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had said and that her statement reflected an ideological campaign against Sanatan dharma. In 2014, reacting to the gang rape of a woman in Delhi, Rahul had remarked that people who go to temples to worship goddesses also molest women in buses. ‘Slandering Sanatan, targeting the Hindu faith’ “It’s the same Congress party which has used terms like ‘Hindu terror’. Recall that Neha Bora is inspired by Islamists in Bangladesh and this tells you that the entire Congress ideology and thinking are against the unity and integrity of India because they are slandering Sanatan and they are targeting the Hindu faith, which reflects their communal mindset. This further tells you that the DNA of the Congress party is anti-Hindu, anti-Constitution, anti-Sanatan,” he added.

BJP accused student activist Neha Bora of slandering the Hindu faith. The ruling party called Bora the “poster girl” of Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu politics. Bora had said that women require protection from the ‘Brahmanical system’ and that priests commit rapes inside temples.

BJP slams Congress over Neha Bora’s video; INDIA bloc allies too call it ‘radical thinking’

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of holding office with “foreign help”. He invited Modi to an open debate on “foreign help”. Gandhi was responding to Modi's speech in Gujarat for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.“Mr Modi, stop lying to this nation. You became PM because of foreign help. You remain PM because of foreign help," said Gandhi in a social media post on the platform X.Gandhi alleged that key domestic financial systems and digital infrastructure had come under the influence of global entities. "Your financial system is fully controlled and supported by foreigners. Foreign social media fully backs you.”&nbsp;He said Modi could choose the stage and the time, and added that Modi would not accept because he was afraid of what Gandhi knew about him. &nbsp;"You won't dare, because you are terrified of what I know about you," he added.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-preemptive-pardon-elon-musk-democrats-midterm-election-1793636060504">Trump considers pre-emptive pardons for Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mr Modi, stop lying to this nation. 

You became PM because of foreign help. You remain PM because of foreign help.

Your financial system is fully controlled and supported by foreigners. Foreign social media fully backs you. 

I challenge you to an open debate about this. Any stage, any time. Come if you have the guts.

You won't dare, because you are terrified of what I know about you.

मोदी जी, इस देश से झूठ बोलना बंद कीजिए।

आप विदेशी मदद से प्रधानमंत्री बने। और विदेशी मदद से ही प्रधानमंत्री बने हुए हैं।

आपकी आर्थिक व्यवस्था पूरी तरह विदेशियों के नियंत्रण में और समर्थन से है। विदेशी सोशल मीडिया पूरी तरह आपके साथ खड़ा है।

मैं आपको इस मुद्दे पर खुली बहस की चुनौती देता हूं। कोई भी मंच, किसी भी समय। हिम्मत है तो आइए।

आप नहीं आएंगे, क्योंकि जो मैं आपके बारे में जानता हूं आप उससे डरते हैं।&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2117217770614251710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi earlier in the week in Gujarat claimed that obstructionist forces were trying to divide the country and that social media was being used to spread rumours. He also accused the opposition of acting as an "Avrodh Paksh" rather than a "Virodh Paksh," and referred indirectly to Gandhi's foreign trips.“Who is secretly meeting whom in abroad? Whom are anti-India forces supporting? Who is speaking the language of Indian enemies?"The debate has intensified just a day after the opposition INDIA bloc held a massive "Save Democracy" rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on 1 November 2026. BJP president Nitin Naveen, speaking at a rally in Kolkata, countered that foreign forces want instability and called Gandhi their "toolkit." &nbsp;BJP had previously and consistently alleged a foreign network behind the protests led by the "Cockroach Janta Party" that led to the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Neither Modi nor Gandhi provided any concrete evidence to back these claims of “foreign help”.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of relying on foreign support to remain in power and challenged him to an open debate, escalating the political exchange.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of holding office with “foreign help”. He invited Modi to an open debate on “foreign help”. Gandhi was responding to Modi's speech in Gujarat for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. “Mr Modi, stop lying to this nation. You became PM because of foreign help. You remain PM because of foreign help," said Gandhi in a social media post on the platform X. Gandhi alleged that key domestic financial systems and digital infrastructure had come under the influence of global entities. "Your financial system is fully controlled and supported by foreigners. Foreign social media fully backs you.” He said Modi could choose the stage and the time, and added that Modi would not accept because he was afraid of what Gandhi knew about him. "You won't dare, because you are terrified of what I know about you," he added. Also Read: Trump considers pre-emptive pardons for Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress

Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of relying on foreign support to remain in power and challenged him to an open debate, escalating the political exchange.

Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi of holding office with 'foreign help', invites him to a debate

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi and Telangana's Congress government at a BJP march in Hyderabad. He bragged about the BJP's organisational strength and asserted that the BJP's Yuva Morcha president of Telangana will defeat Rahul Gandhi."The Congress party itself is on a ventilator. Can this ventilator party run a marathon alongside Modi ji? Rahul ji, forget Modi ji. Even my Telangana Yuva Morcha president will defeat you," he said.He accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of turning the state into an "ATM" for party leaders in Delhi, and said the people of Telangana would never forgive him.&nbsp;"Revanth Reddy ji, you have turned the entire Telangana into an ATM for the Congress leaders sitting in Delhi. The people of Telangana will never forgive you for this. Rahul ji had promised six guarantees. Not even one guarantee has been fulfilled," said the Union Home Minister.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-king-abdullah-palestinian-rights-middle-east-stability-1793624885899">Jordan's King Abdullah says no stability without Palestinian homeland rights</a> Shah was speaking at the BJP's “Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao” march. He presented the BJP as the only party able to deliver clean governance in the state, and said it was on course to win Telangana after its wins in Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, Bengal and Assam since 2024. The march was scheduled to start at 4 pm near Nizam College and end at Moazzam Jahi Market junction with a rally addressed by Shah. The state BJP organised it against what it calls the Congress's "false narrative" on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;"Rahul ji, if EVMs are faulty, how did your Revanth Reddy become Chief Minister? How did your government come to power in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh? If EVMs are so bad, you should not have taken the oath of office. When you win, the credit goes to the people, but when you lose, you blame the EVMs."The rally in Hyderabad came a day after the Congress held a "Vote Bachao" (Save the Vote) demonstration in New Delhi. Shah attacked Gandhi, calling the rally a pretence to "Save the Infiltrators". He said that by opposing the SIR, Congress wanted to save the “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and win elections through “bogus voting”.

Amit Shah attacks Rahul Gandhi and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at a Hyderabad rally, accusing Congress of failing to deliver its six guarantees.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi and Telangana's Congress government at a BJP march in Hyderabad. He bragged about the BJP's organisational strength and asserted that the BJP's Yuva Morcha president of Telangana will defeat Rahul Gandhi. "The Congress party itself is on a ventilator. Can this ventilator party run a marathon alongside Modi ji? Rahul ji, forget Modi ji. Even my Telangana Yuva Morcha president will defeat you," he said. He accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of turning the state into an "ATM" for party leaders in Delhi, and said the people of Telangana would never forgive him. "Revanth Reddy ji, you have turned the entire Telangana into an ATM for the Congress leaders sitting in Delhi. The people of Telangana will never forgive you for this. Rahul ji had promised six guarantees. Not even one guarantee has been fulfilled," said the Union Home Minister. Also Read: Jordan's King Abdullah says no stability without Palestinian homeland rights Shah was speaking at the BJP's “Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao” march. He presented the BJP as the only party able to deliver clean governance in the state, and said it was on course to win Telangana after its wins in Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, Bengal and Assam since 2024. The march was scheduled to start at 4 pm near Nizam College and end at Moazzam Jahi Market junction with a rally addressed by Shah. The state BJP organised it against what it calls the Congress's "false narrative" on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. "Rahul ji, if EVMs are faulty, how did your Revanth Reddy become Chief Minister? How did your government come to power in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh? If EVMs are so bad, you should not have taken the oath of office. When you win, the credit goes to the people, but when you lose, you blame the EVMs." The rally in Hyderabad came a day after the Congress held a "Vote Bachao" (Save the Vote) demonstration in New Delhi. Shah attacked Gandhi, calling the rally a pretence to "Save the Infiltrators". He said that by opposing the SIR, Congress wanted to save the “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and win elections through “bogus voting”.

Amit Shah attacks Rahul Gandhi and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at a Hyderabad rally, accusing Congress of failing to deliver its six guarantees.

Amit Shah boasts Telangana BJP Yuva Morcha President can defeat Rahul Gandhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s earlier claim that 10 lakh people would attend the INDIA bloc’s rally at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday, and claimed that 40% of the venue was vacant.BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra addressed a press conference in Delhi and shared visuals from the rally to claim that nearly half of the venue was empty.Patra said other top Congress leaders like KC Venugopal and Pawan Khera had also claimed that 10 lakh people would participate in the rally against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the voter roll revision.&nbsp;&nbsp;“You can see in the background that 40 per cent of Ramlila Maidan, 40 per cent of the space, was vacant. Rahul Gandhi and his team claimed that 10 lakh people would attend. Out of 28,000 chairs, around 5,000–7,000 were empty between 3.30 pm and 4 pm. This is the reality behind Congress’s claim of 10 lakh attendees,” Patra said following the INDIA bloc’s rally.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-turn-won-t-come-stay-pm-in-your-mock-parliament-amit-shah-takes-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-1793537724423">‘Your turn won’t come, stay PM in your mock parliament,’ Amit Shah takes dig at Rahul Gandhi</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">कांग्रेस की ओर से रैली में 10 लाख से अधिक लोगों के पहुंचने के दावे किए गए थे, जबकि रामलीला मैदान लगभग 10-12 एकड़ में फैला हुआ है। इसमें करीब 15 प्रतिशत स्थान मंच और उसके आगे बने ‘डी’ ने घेर रखा था।

रामलीला मैदान का लगभग 40 प्रतिशत हिस्सा पूरी तरह खाली था। वहां न तो कोई कुर्सी लगाई गई थी और न ही कोई व्यक्ति मौजूद था।

कुल मिलाकर, रामलीला मैदान में लगभग 28 हजार कुर्सियां लगाई गई थीं, जिनमें से 5-7 हजार कुर्सियां पूरी तरह खाली थीं।

- डॉ. @sambitswaraj 

पूरा वीडियो देखें: https://t.co/gJoisEfTmC&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://x.com/BJP4India/status/2116885253050769487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The BJP claimed in posts shared on social media that Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering with “empty chairs” and said the Congress had failed to fill the Ramlila Maidan to its stated capacity of 50,000.BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari claimed that people were leaving the venue while Gandhi was speaking and shared a video showing empty chairs and people leaving from the ground.“Rahul Gandhi speaking and People leaving from Ramleela Ground! Flop show!" he wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rahul Gandhi speaking and People leaving from Ramleela Ground!

Flop show! https://t.co/iXcqb0MFHt&mdash; Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) <a href="https://x.com/pradip103/status/2116846295164039602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Meanwhile, Opposition leaders hailed the rally as a success. Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi described it as “very successful”.&nbsp;“This was a very successful rally. The BJP is frustrated by seeing the large numbers. CEC Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign,” Singhvi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahadev-betting-app-promoter-sourabh-chandrakar-extradited-brought-from-oman-to-india-1793544293834">Mahadev betting app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar extradited, brought from Oman to India</a>&nbsp;The INDIA bloc organised the rally as part of its campaign against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have accused the poll panel of irregularities and are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.The Election Commission has rejected allegations of political bias and defended the electoral-roll revision process.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi said at the rally that the Opposition would continue to defend the Constitution. “We will not let the Constitution be destroyed. Whoever you are, however powerful you may be, you are not bigger than the Constitution. The Constitution is bigger than you,” he said.&nbsp;Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told the crowd that the INDIA bloc would continue its campaign until CEC Gyanesh Kumar leaves office. Opposition leaders Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and other Opposition leaders also addressed the rally.

The BJP claimed in posts shared on social media that Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering with “empty chairs” and said the Congress had failed to fill the Ramlila Maidan to its stated capacity. BJP’s Pradeep Bhandari claimed that people were leaving the venue while Rahul was speaking.

The Bharatiya Janata Party took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s earlier claim that 10 lakh people would attend the INDIA bloc’s rally at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday, and claimed that 40% of the venue was vacant. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra addressed a press conference in Delhi and shared visuals from the rally to claim that nearly half of the venue was empty. Patra said other top Congress leaders like KC Venugopal and Pawan Khera had also claimed that 10 lakh people would participate in the rally against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the voter roll revision. “You can see in the background that 40 per cent of Ramlila Maidan, 40 per cent of the space, was vacant. Rahul Gandhi and his team claimed that 10 lakh people would attend. Out of 28,000 chairs, around 5,000–7,000 were empty between 3.30 pm and 4 pm. This is the reality behind Congress’s claim of 10 lakh attendees,” Patra said following the INDIA bloc’s rally. Also Read: ‘Your turn won’t come, stay PM in your mock parliament,’ Amit Shah takes dig at Rahul Gandhi

The BJP claimed in posts shared on social media that Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering with “empty chairs” and said the Congress had failed to fill the Ramlila Maidan to its stated capacity. BJP’s Pradeep Bhandari claimed that people were leaving the venue while Rahul was speaking.

‘Flop show, chairs empty’: BJP mocks Rahul Gandhi-led INDIA bloc rally against CEC at Ramlila Maidan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while addressing a gathering in Chandigarh for setting the tone for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections and questioned his leadership, political ambitions and prospects. Shah slammed Rahul Gandhi’s mock Parliament exercise and said that the Congress leader had devised a new political strategy to fulfil his ambition of becoming prime minister.&nbsp;“Rahul Gandhi wants to become Prime Minister, and that is why he has found a new way by organising a mock Parliament. Rahul ji, you can continue to remain Prime Minister in your mock Parliament. Your dream of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, however, will not be fulfilled,” Shah said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">राहुल गांधी को अगर प्रधानमंत्री बनना है, तो पूरा जीवन Mock Parliament में ही बने रहें, असली में आपका नंबर कभी नहीं लगना। https://t.co/Pt0Q9y5Luz&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://x.com/AmitShah/status/2116866154027507821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The INDIA bloc had held a mock Parliament session on Saturday to ‘publicly impeach’ chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of irregularities in the electoral processes.&nbsp;<h2>‘Rubbing salt on wounds of 1984 anti-Sikh riots’ victims’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The home minister targeted the INDIA bloc’s protest being held in Delhi on Sunday and slammed Rahul Gandhi for holding a rally in the capital on November 1, saying it would “rub salt on the wounds” of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.“Rahul Gandhi has organised a major rally in Delhi today—effectively rubbing salt into the wounds of the riot victims. We assumed that perhaps he was too young at the time, or that he hadn't studied history and was therefore unaware. Our party held a press conference requesting that they not hold the event on 1-2-3 Nov—the very days the anti-Sikh riots took place—as it would deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community, including mothers, sisters, and children. But they remained adamant,” Shah said in Chandigarh.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1 नवंबर 1984 को कांग्रेस ने दिल्ली में हजारों निर्दोष सिखों का नरसंहार कराया था, और आज उसी दिन राहुल गांधी ने दिल्ली में जलसा रखकर उन पीड़ित परिवारों के जख्मों पर नमक छिड़कने का काम किया है। https://t.co/M0tluQYv1y&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://x.com/AmitShah/status/2116856915523436930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The Home Minister also referred to appeals reportedly made by Delhi traders to the Congress, asking the party not to organise its rally during the festive season.&nbsp;Opposition leaders and supporters gathered at Ramlila Maidan for the ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, over alleged discrepancies in electoral rolls and concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.&nbsp;Shah’s attack comes as politics intensifies in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The BJP is aiming to expand its footprint in the state, as Shah has been repeatedly stating that the party will seek a mandate to form its own government rather than remain a junior alliance partner.Shah has focused on the drug menace in Punjab and has made it the central point of the BJP's election campaign, promising to make the state drug-free by December 31, 2029 along with the rest of the country.&nbsp;<h2>‘Conspiracy to plunge the nation into anarchy’</h2>&nbsp;Union minister JP Nadda also criticised the INDIA bloc rally, saying it is not an “act of respect” for democracy but a “conspiracy” to plunge the nation into anarchy.“What is unfolding today at Ramlila Maidan is not an act of respect for democracy; rather, it is a calculated conspiracy to plunge the nation into anarchy—in the name of democracy. This is a foolish, orchestrated drama staged by those who have been defeated and repeatedly rejected by the people,” Nadda said.He also accused Rahul Gandhi of showing little concern for small traders and businessmen during the festive season, saying the Opposition had not deferred the rally despite repeated appeals by the traders.

Addressing a gathering in Chandigarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted the INDIA bloc’s protest being held in Delhi and slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for holding a rally in the capital on November 1, saying it would “rub salt on the wounds” of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while addressing a gathering in Chandigarh for setting the tone for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections and questioned his leadership, political ambitions and prospects. Shah slammed Rahul Gandhi’s mock Parliament exercise and said that the Congress leader had devised a new political strategy to fulfil his ambition of becoming prime minister. “Rahul Gandhi wants to become Prime Minister, and that is why he has found a new way by organising a mock Parliament. Rahul ji, you can continue to remain Prime Minister in your mock Parliament. Your dream of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, however, will not be fulfilled,” Shah said.

Addressing a gathering in Chandigarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted the INDIA bloc’s protest being held in Delhi and slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for holding a rally in the capital on November 1, saying it would “rub salt on the wounds” of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

‘Your turn won’t come, stay PM in your mock parliament,’ Amit Shah takes dig at Rahul Gandhi

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (November 1) said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would be removed from his post and jailed, accusing him of vote theft. Rahul Gandhi's remark came while addressing the INDIA bloc’s mega rally at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital. At the rally, Rahul Gandhi said action will be taken against the CEC, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would not have reached their political post without him. “Listen to me. What I say always turns out to be true, doesn’t it? I am telling every citizen and every youth of India: Gyanesh Kumar will be removed from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail. Without Gyanesh Kumar, neither Narendra Modi would have become Prime Minister nor Amit Shah would have become Home Minister,” he said.<h3>Rahul Gandhi on farmers, youth and labourers' rights</h3>The LoP also highlighted concerns over escalating issues facing farmers, youth and labourers, and alleged that they were being denied their respective rights. He added that the wealth of the country has been concentrated in the hands of a few. He went on to argue that farmers are being denied their due, young people cannot find work, labourers are deprived of their rights, and the country’s wealth has concentrated in the hands of just two or three individuals. “We do not want such an India, and we will not accept such an India,” he said. The Congress leader also accused the Election Commission of facilitating vote theft across several state elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, alleging that results were manipulated both through EVMs and tampering with electoral rolls.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-indian-air-force-chief-acm-dixit-vows-to-restore-combat-strength-as-foremost-priority-1793516293417">New Indian Air Force Chief ACM Dixit vows to restore combat strength as foremost priority</a> “For years, vote theft has been happening in this country. Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections: in all these elections, vote theft has occurred. Votes have been stolen through EVMs and by deleting and adding names to voter lists,” he said. Rahul Gandhi went further, claiming that 15 per cent of India’s voters had been struck off the electoral rolls following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, calling the outcome an illegal, stolen election. “It was a stolen election. I am not the one saying this; the Election Commission is saying this,” he said.&nbsp;The rally, held in opposition to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, drew senior INDIA bloc figures including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alongside Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over escalating issues facing farmers, youth and labourers, and alleged that they were being denied their respective rights. He added that the wealth of the country has been concentrated in the hands of a few.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (November 1) said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would be removed from his post and jailed, accusing him of vote theft. Rahul Gandhi's remark came while addressing the INDIA bloc’s mega rally at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital. At the rally, Rahul Gandhi said action will be taken against the CEC, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would not have reached their political post without him. “Listen to me. What I say always turns out to be true, doesn’t it? I am telling every citizen and every youth of India: Gyanesh Kumar will be removed from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail. Without Gyanesh Kumar, neither Narendra Modi would have become Prime Minister nor Amit Shah would have become Home Minister,” he said. Rahul Gandhi on farmers, youth and labourers' rights The LoP also highlighted concerns over escalating issues facing farmers, youth and labourers, and alleged that they were being denied their respective rights. He added that the wealth of the country has been concentrated in the hands of a few. He went on to argue that farmers are being denied their due, young people cannot find work, labourers are deprived of their rights, and the country’s wealth has concentrated in the hands of just two or three individuals. “We do not want such an India, and we will not accept such an India,” he said. The Congress leader also accused the Election Commission of facilitating vote theft across several state elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, alleging that results were manipulated both through EVMs and tampering with electoral rolls. Also read: New Indian Air Force Chief ACM Dixit vows to restore combat strength as foremost priority “For years, vote theft has been happening in this country. Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections: in all these elections, vote theft has occurred. Votes have been stolen through EVMs and by deleting and adding names to voter lists,” he said. Rahul Gandhi went further, claiming that 15 per cent of India’s voters had been struck off the electoral rolls following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, calling the outcome an illegal, stolen election. “It was a stolen election. I am not the one saying this; the Election Commission is saying this,” he said. The rally, held in opposition to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, drew senior INDIA bloc figures including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alongside Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over escalating issues facing farmers, youth and labourers, and alleged that they were being denied their respective rights. He added that the wealth of the country has been concentrated in the hands of a few.

'Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Rahul Gandhi targets CEC, says 'Modi, Shah wouldn't be in power without him'

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a protest march in Delhi’s Hari Nagar area on Sunday over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, criticising the Congress for choosing November 1 for its ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally at Ramlila Maidan.&nbsp;Delhi BJP president and Union minister Harsh Malhotra said the Sikh community wanted the Congress to apologise for the violence before attempting to “relaunch” Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;The march will take place in West Delhi, a Sikh-dominated area, and will be joined by several Sikh organisations. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri will lead the protest, the party said in a statement.&nbsp;“Unfortunately, the Congress has chosen November 1 to relaunch its failed leader, hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community affected by anti-Sikh riots of 1984,” Malhotra said.&nbsp;Malhotra said the period between October 31 and November 3, 1984, remains a painful chapter in India’s history, particularly for the Sikh community.&nbsp;“From the evening of October 31, 1984, until November 3, 1984, Congress workers massacred thousands of innocent Sikhs, looted their homes and shops, and set them ablaze,” he alleged.&nbsp;The BJP has questioned the Congress over holding its rally on November 1, the anniversary of the anti-Sikh violence that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ice-officer-indicted-on-assault-charge-after-allegedly-hitting-man-with-car-1793382620158">ICE officer indicted on assault charge after allegedly hitting man with car</a><h2>INDIA bloc prepares for November 1 rally</h2>The opposition INDIA bloc will hold its ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally at Ramlila Maidan from around 11 am on November 1. The protest is aimed at demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and seeking the cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;Preparations for the rally were underway on Friday. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas claimed that 10 lakh people would travel to Delhi for the event and alleged that authorities were trying to stop participants from reaching the national capital.&nbsp;Delhi Police has also put extensive security arrangements in place for the rally.

The Bharatiya Janata Party will hold a protest march in Delhi over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots on November 1, the same day the INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold its ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally at Ramlila Maidan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a protest march in Delhi’s Hari Nagar area on Sunday over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, criticising the Congress for choosing November 1 for its ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally at Ramlila Maidan. Delhi BJP president and Union minister Harsh Malhotra said the Sikh community wanted the Congress to apologise for the violence before attempting to “relaunch” Rahul Gandhi. The march will take place in West Delhi, a Sikh-dominated area, and will be joined by several Sikh organisations. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri will lead the protest, the party said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the Congress has chosen November 1 to relaunch its failed leader, hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community affected by anti-Sikh riots of 1984,” Malhotra said. Malhotra said the period between October 31 and November 3, 1984, remains a painful chapter in India’s history, particularly for the Sikh community. “From the evening of October 31, 1984, until November 3, 1984, Congress workers massacred thousands of innocent Sikhs, looted their homes and shops, and set them ablaze,” he alleged. The BJP has questioned the Congress over holding its rally on November 1, the anniversary of the anti-Sikh violence that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Also Read: ICE officer indicted on assault charge after allegedly hitting man with car INDIA bloc prepares for November 1 rally The opposition INDIA bloc will hold its ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally at Ramlila Maidan from around 11 am on November 1. The protest is aimed at demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and seeking the cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Preparations for the rally were underway on Friday. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas claimed that 10 lakh people would travel to Delhi for the event and alleged that authorities were trying to stop participants from reaching the national capital. Delhi Police has also put extensive security arrangements in place for the rally.

The Bharatiya Janata Party will hold a protest march in Delhi over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots on November 1, the same day the INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold its ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally at Ramlila Maidan.

BJP to stage protest over anti-Sikh riots on November 1, same day as INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Oct 30) announced that the INDIA bloc had postponed its proposed “public impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar by a day, citing heavy rain in the national capital. The protest, originally scheduled for 4 pm at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi, will now take place at the same time on Saturday.Addressing reporters alongside Opposition leaders, Gandhi said the decision was taken collectively, keeping senior leaders in mind.“By consensus, we have decided to postpone today’s programme to tomorrow at the same time because of the rain. We felt that it would be difficult for the seniors to sit in the rain,” he said.<h2>Rahul Gandhi calls for larger turnout at Ramlila Maidan</h2>The Congress leader also appealed to people from different sections of society to participate in the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission leadership of undermining democratic institutions.“Both programmes are about the demolition of Indian democracy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CEC Gyanesh Kumar and crew of the Election Commission,” Gandhi said.He further alleged that efforts were being made to prevent people from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Telangana from travelling to Delhi for the demonstration.“The Home Minister is doing his best to stop people from coming to Delhi,” Gandhi said, adding that the turnout at Ramlila Maidan would show how many people were able to overcome these restrictions.<h2>Opposition alleges mass voter disenfranchisement</h2>Gandhi claimed that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise had triggered widespread anger, with millions of voters allegedly facing disenfranchisement. He accused the government of allowing voter deletions to benefit wealthy businessmen Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, besides Modi and Shah.Reiterating that the Opposition was united, he said the demonstration was a collective effort to defend the Constitution.TMC MP Derek O'Brien echoed the Congress leader's appeal, saying the protest was open to people beyond political parties.“We are all in this together. Civil society is invited, students are invited, youth, workers, and housewives can all join,” he said. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi announced that the INDIA bloc’s public impeachment of CEC Gyanesh Kumar has been postponed to October 31 due to rain, inviting people to join its November 1 Ramlila Maidan march.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Oct 30) announced that the INDIA bloc had postponed its proposed “public impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar by a day, citing heavy rain in the national capital. The protest, originally scheduled for 4 pm at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi, will now take place at the same time on Saturday. Addressing reporters alongside Opposition leaders, Gandhi said the decision was taken collectively, keeping senior leaders in mind. “By consensus, we have decided to postpone today’s programme to tomorrow at the same time because of the rain. We felt that it would be difficult for the seniors to sit in the rain,” he said. Rahul Gandhi calls for larger turnout at Ramlila Maidan The Congress leader also appealed to people from different sections of society to participate in the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission leadership of undermining democratic institutions. “Both programmes are about the demolition of Indian democracy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CEC Gyanesh Kumar and crew of the Election Commission,” Gandhi said. He further alleged that efforts were being made to prevent people from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Telangana from travelling to Delhi for the demonstration. “The Home Minister is doing his best to stop people from coming to Delhi,” Gandhi said, adding that the turnout at Ramlila Maidan would show how many people were able to overcome these restrictions. Opposition alleges mass voter disenfranchisement Gandhi claimed that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise had triggered widespread anger, with millions of voters allegedly facing disenfranchisement. He accused the government of allowing voter deletions to benefit wealthy businessmen Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, besides Modi and Shah. Reiterating that the Opposition was united, he said the demonstration was a collective effort to defend the Constitution. TMC MP Derek O'Brien echoed the Congress leader's appeal, saying the protest was open to people beyond political parties. “We are all in this together. Civil society is invited, students are invited, youth, workers, and housewives can all join,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi announced that the INDIA bloc’s public impeachment of CEC Gyanesh Kumar has been postponed to October 31 due to rain, inviting people to join its November 1 Ramlila Maidan march.

Rain postpones INDIA bloc’s ‘public impeachment’ of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Preparations are gathering pace at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan ahead of the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally, with opposition parties planning to raise allegations of ‘vote theft’, challenge the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and target Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The rally comes as the opposition continues its campaign over electoral processes, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi calling on citizens to join what he described as a movement to defend democracy and the Constitution.<h2>Rahul Gandhi calls for public participation</h2>In a video message posted on X on Thursday (Oct 29), the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged people unhappy with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government to participate in the ‘Chalo Delhi Ramlila March’.“Chalo Dilli Ramlila March, it is a march to save democracy, to stop vote theft, to save the Constitution. This is not a march of any one political party; it is a march of the soul of India,” Gandhi said. “All the people who are fed up with Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Gyanesh Kumar, all the people who want to save democracy, who want to protect the Constitution, you all come.”He urged people not to be deterred by the possibility of police action, saying the march was intended to bring citizens together around the protection of constitutional values.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-arnab-triggers-floods-in-odisha-300-villages-marooned-stranded-people-to-be-airlifted-1793272859518">Cyclone Arnab triggers floods in Odisha: 300 villages marooned, stranded people to be airlifted</a>“Don’t worry about the police, don’t worry about lathis. The BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics. Come march with us. We’ll walk together to protect the Constitution, to protect the Indian nation. So there is no need to panic; it is the country’s march, it is your march. You all come; together we will protect the Constitution and protect democracy,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">नमस्कार,

चलो दिल्ली रामलीला मार्च, लोकतंत्र को बचाने का, वोट चोरी को रोकने का, संविधान को बचाने का मार्च है।

यह किसी एक राजनीतिक पार्टी का मार्च नहीं - यह हिंदुस्तान की आत्मा का मार्च है।

सब लोग जो नरेंद्र मोदी, अमित शाह, ज्ञानेश कुमार से तंग हैं। सब लोग जो लोकतंत्र को बचाना चाहते हैं, संविधान की रक्षा करना चाहते हैं, आप सब आइए।

एक ही protest है - देश का protest है।

Don't worry about the police, don't worry about lathis - the BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics.

Come march with us - we will walk together to protect the Constitution, to protect the Indian nation.

घबराने की जरूरत नहीं है।

I urge all student groups, regardless of your political affiliation - if you feel that India is under attack, if you feel you are under attack, your expression, your ideas, your way of thinking is under attack, come and join us.

It will be a fantastic march, and it's a march for the soul of this country.

Looking forward to seeing all of you there.

🗓️ 1 नवंबर
📍 रामलीला मैदान, नई दिल्ली

#ChaloDilli&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2115673666134683741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gandhi also called on student organisations across political affiliations to take part, arguing that concerns over freedom of expression and individual ideas should extend beyond party lines.“I urge all student groups, regardless of your political affiliation, if you feel that India is under attack, if you feel you are under attack, your expression, your ideas, your way of thinking is under attack, come and join us,” he said.The Congress leader described the gathering as a collective effort rather than an event belonging to a single political party.<h2>Mock parliament planned before rally</h2>This follows a meeting of INDIA bloc MPs hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Oct 29). Opposition MPs are preparing for a mock parliament on Friday, during which they intend to symbolically ‘impeach’ Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.Watch | Cyclone Arnab unleashes destruction, India's mass evacuation drive prevents a tragedy<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-arnab-unleashes-destruction-india-s-mass-evacuation-drive-prevents-a-tragedy-1793208943935/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-arnab-unleashes-destruction-india-s-mass-evacuation-drive-prevents-a-tragedy-1793208943935/embed</a>The exercise is expected to precede Saturday’s rally at Ramlila Maidan, where the opposition plans to bring its objections over electoral rolls and alleged irregularities to the forefront.The INDIA bloc’s campaign centres on its allegations of electoral malpractice, which have been contested politically, as opposition parties seek to turn the issue into a wider public mobilisation.

Preparations are underway at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan for the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally against alleged vote theft and SIR, with Rahul Gandhi urging people to join the march to save democracy.

Preparations are gathering pace at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan ahead of the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally, with opposition parties planning to raise allegations of ‘vote theft’, challenge the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and target Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The rally comes as the opposition continues its campaign over electoral processes, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi calling on citizens to join what he described as a movement to defend democracy and the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi calls for public participation In a video message posted on X on Thursday (Oct 29), the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged people unhappy with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government to participate in the ‘Chalo Delhi Ramlila March’. “Chalo Dilli Ramlila March, it is a march to save democracy, to stop vote theft, to save the Constitution. This is not a march of any one political party; it is a march of the soul of India,” Gandhi said. “All the people who are fed up with Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Gyanesh Kumar, all the people who want to save democracy, who want to protect the Constitution, you all come.” He urged people not to be deterred by the possibility of police action, saying the march was intended to bring citizens together around the protection of constitutional values. Also read | Cyclone Arnab triggers floods in Odisha: 300 villages marooned, stranded people to be airlifted “Don’t worry about the police, don’t worry about lathis. The BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics. Come march with us. We’ll walk together to protect the Constitution, to protect the Indian nation. So there is no need to panic; it is the country’s march, it is your march. You all come; together we will protect the Constitution and protect democracy,” he said.

Preparations are underway at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan for the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally against alleged vote theft and SIR, with Rahul Gandhi urging people to join the march to save democracy.

Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan gears up for INDIA bloc rally against alleged ‘vote theft’

Delhi's Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Rahul Gandhi, asking him to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until November 10, after Bhai Dooj, or shift to an alternative venue away from commercial areas. The traders say a crowd of that size would choke Old Delhi during the busiest shopping stretch of the year, and disrupt 21 major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi during the peak festive season.This is the second letter sent by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) to Rahul Gandhi in a span of just four days. The first letter was sent on October 24.Rahul Gandhi on Monday acknowledged the traders' concerns but said government restrictions, including shutting down metro services and sealing roads, have already hurt business. He said the protests would continue until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is removed, adding they could end in "30 seconds" if the Prime Minister acted. CTI has since renewed its appeal."To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you. The Govt shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital. With a stolen vote, nothing is safe - your shop, your savings, your children’s future. Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar, and the protests will stop in 30 seconds," said Mr Gandhi.Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deutsche-bank-rbi-repo-rate-6-25-inflation-rupee-2027-1793102961599">RBI may raise repo rate to 6.25% by H1 2027, warns Deutsche Bank, as CPI to stay around 6%</a>CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a copy of the letter had also been sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to discuss the matter with alliance partners.In the letter, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said senior Congress leaders have been openly saying that around 10 lakh people from across the country will attend. The body estimates that would bring 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles into the capital, including 10,000-12,000 large buses and 5,000-7,000 cars, tempo travellers, minibuses and e-rickshaws.The 21 markets identified by the CTI as potentially affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lahori Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Rai Market and Naya Bazaar. The traders say there is no authorised parking for even 200 vehicles near Ramlila Maidan, and that narrow lanes around the venue could jam for kilometres. They fear that about 20 markets in the area could be hit, with business losses of ₹10,000 crore. They are also worried that barricading and road closures could begin on October 31.&nbsp;

Delhi's CTI has urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally, warning of traffic disruption and potential ₹10,000 crore losses during the festive shopping season.

Delhi's Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Rahul Gandhi, asking him to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until November 10, after Bhai Dooj, or shift to an alternative venue away from commercial areas. The traders say a crowd of that size would choke Old Delhi during the busiest shopping stretch of the year, and disrupt 21 major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi during the peak festive season. This is the second letter sent by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) to Rahul Gandhi in a span of just four days. The first letter was sent on October 24. Rahul Gandhi on Monday acknowledged the traders' concerns but said government restrictions, including shutting down metro services and sealing roads, have already hurt business. He said the protests would continue until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is removed, adding they could end in "30 seconds" if the Prime Minister acted. CTI has since renewed its appeal. "To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you. The Govt shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital. With a stolen vote, nothing is safe - your shop, your savings, your children’s future. Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar, and the protests will stop in 30 seconds," said Mr Gandhi. Read More: RBI may raise repo rate to 6.25% by H1 2027, warns Deutsche Bank, as CPI to stay around 6% CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a copy of the letter had also been sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to discuss the matter with alliance partners. In the letter, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said senior Congress leaders have been openly saying that around 10 lakh people from across the country will attend. The body estimates that would bring 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles into the capital, including 10,000-12,000 large buses and 5,000-7,000 cars, tempo travellers, minibuses and e-rickshaws. The 21 markets identified by the CTI as potentially affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lahori Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Rai Market and Naya Bazaar. The traders say there is no authorised parking for even 200 vehicles near Ramlila Maidan, and that narrow lanes around the venue could jam for kilometres. They fear that about 20 markets in the area could be hit, with business losses of ₹10,000 crore. They are also worried that barricading and road closures could begin on October 31.

Delhi's CTI has urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally, warning of traffic disruption and potential ₹10,000 crore losses during the festive shopping season.

Delhi traders urge Rahul Gandhi to postpone INDIA bloc rally once again

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a Court in Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur in a 2018 defamation case over his remarks against the then BJP President Amit Shah as an accused in the extrajudicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Shubham Verma pronounced Rahul Gandhi "not guilty" in his presence, ruling that the statement made by Gandhi was not defamatory in nature and the complainant lacked the legal standing of an aggrieved party.Rahul Gandhi, in a statement made during the Karnataka elections, had referred to Shah as a murder accused, questioning the party's claim of clean and honest politics.&nbsp;"People in India forget that the president of BJP is a murder accused. That's the truth. The party that talks about honesty, decency, has a person who has been accused of murder as president."Gandhi was referring to BJP President Amit Shah, who was accused and arrested in the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and spent three months in jail in Gujarat. He was then discharged from the case by a special CBI court in December 2014 due to lack of prosecutable evidence.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-rejects-russia-role-europe-protests-1792951813637">'Clear overkill': Putin rejects claims Russia is behind mass protests in Europe</a>In response to Gandhi's remarks, then BJP District Vice President, Vijay Mishra filed a criminal defamation case under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. Senior Advocate RS Cheema, with advocates Kashi Shukla, Tarannum Cheema, Prasanna S and Akash Singh, represented Gandhi. Gandhi had appeared before the court in 2023 and secured bail.In 2023, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a Gujarat court for his "all thieves have Modi surname" remark. The trial court suspended the prison sentence for 30 days and granted him bail so he could challenge the decision in higher courts. Gandhi was also disqualified from the Lok Sabha; he was then a Member of Parliament from Wayanad. The conviction was stayed by the Supreme Court, and the interim order reinstated him into the Lok Sabha.

A Sultanpur court acquitted Rahul Gandhi in a 2018 defamation case over his remarks calling then BJP chief Amit Shah a murder accused.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a Court in Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur in a 2018 defamation case over his remarks against the then BJP President Amit Shah as an accused in the extrajudicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Shubham Verma pronounced Rahul Gandhi "not guilty" in his presence, ruling that the statement made by Gandhi was not defamatory in nature and the complainant lacked the legal standing of an aggrieved party. Rahul Gandhi, in a statement made during the Karnataka elections, had referred to Shah as a murder accused, questioning the party's claim of clean and honest politics. "People in India forget that the president of BJP is a murder accused. That's the truth. The party that talks about honesty, decency, has a person who has been accused of murder as president." Gandhi was referring to BJP President Amit Shah, who was accused and arrested in the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and spent three months in jail in Gujarat. He was then discharged from the case by a special CBI court in December 2014 due to lack of prosecutable evidence. Also Read: 'Clear overkill': Putin rejects claims Russia is behind mass protests in Europe In response to Gandhi's remarks, then BJP District Vice President, Vijay Mishra filed a criminal defamation case under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. Senior Advocate RS Cheema, with advocates Kashi Shukla, Tarannum Cheema, Prasanna S and Akash Singh, represented Gandhi. Gandhi had appeared before the court in 2023 and secured bail. In 2023, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a Gujarat court for his "all thieves have Modi surname" remark. The trial court suspended the prison sentence for 30 days and granted him bail so he could challenge the decision in higher courts. Gandhi was also disqualified from the Lok Sabha; he was then a Member of Parliament from Wayanad. The conviction was stayed by the Supreme Court, and the interim order reinstated him into the Lok Sabha.

A Sultanpur court acquitted Rahul Gandhi in a 2018 defamation case over his remarks calling then BJP chief Amit Shah a murder accused.

Rahul Gandhi acquitted in 2018 defamation case over Amit Shah remarks

Vehicles in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collided with an ambulance on Uttar Pradesh expressway while he was travelling to court. The incident occurred en route to his court appearance in Sultanpur. Congress MP is reportedly safe following the collision. The collision took place on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. There was no immediate information on injuries or the extent of damage to the vehicles.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">5 Cars In Rahul Gandhi's Convoy Collide With Ambulance On UP ExpresswayThe five vehicles involved in the accident were at the rear of the convoy of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Lop is safe https://t.co/AnxE51HJbJ&mdash; Shakeel Yasar Ullah (@yasarullah) <a href="https://x.com/yasarullah/status/2114598289991770169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The hearing in Sultanpur was about a 2018 defamation case. He was to appear before a special MP-MLA court. HT reported quoting a Congress worker that Gandhi had reached the court following the accident.<figure class="image"><img src="https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2026/10/26/original/gandhi_convoy_1792993646998_ovrk.jpg" alt="A screengrab shows the accident site (Sourced)"></figure>Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the accident, reported news agency PTI. The SIT will investigate the circumstances leading to the collision and examine whether any negligence or lapses in security, escort arrangements or traffic management contributed to the accident, an official statement said.<h2>Rahul Gandhi acquitted in 2018 defamation case over remarks on Amit Shah</h2>Later in the hearing in Sultanpur, the special MP/MLA court dismissed a 2018 criminal defamation case against Gandhi regarding his remarks against Amit Shah. The case was about an alleged objectionable remarks he made about Amit Shah, who was then the BJP president, at a rally in Bengaluru ahead of the 2018 Karnataka assembly elections. Vijay Mishra, a local BJP politician and former chairman of the District Cooperative Bank in Sultanpur, filed a defamation complaint against Gandhi on August 4, 2018. The Congress leader appeared before the court in 2023 and secured bail. The court summoned Gandhi on November 27, 2023. He surrendered before the court on February 20, 2024, and secured bail. The Uttar Pradesh Congress welcomed the acquittal, stating in Hindi that the court had cleared Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case related to his remarks against Shah.

Vehicles in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collided on a Uttar Pradesh expressway while he was travelling to court. The incident occurred en route to his court appearance, with the Congress MP reported safe following the collision.

Vehicles in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collided with an ambulance on Uttar Pradesh expressway while he was travelling to court. The incident occurred en route to his court appearance in Sultanpur. Congress MP is reportedly safe following the collision. The collision took place on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. There was no immediate information on injuries or the extent of damage to the vehicles.

Vehicles in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collided on a Uttar Pradesh expressway while he was travelling to court. The incident occurred en route to his court appearance, with the Congress MP reported safe following the collision.

Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collides with ambulance on UP expressway | VIDEO

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday (October 22) accused the LoP and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of having connections with anti-national forces and "playing with people's emotions" by involving them to incite protests. He also launched a scathing attack on Gandhi over his reported trip to Vietnam, accusing him of invoking people to protest before travelling abroad. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Dubey stated that Rahul Gandhi travelled across the world at least 270 times in the past 10 years. “He has been meeting American politicians... for their links with the Soros Foundation. So I want to ask him, under whose guidance he met such people.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#WATCH | Dumka, Jharkhand | BJP MP Nishikant Dubey says, &quot;For the past 10–15 days, it was felt as though there were no rules or laws in place in Delhi. The LoP went out for lunch or dinner, and then proceeded to stage a sit-in protest somewhere. It was seen that people—some of whom may have never hoisted the Tiranga in their lives—were arriving at these sites carrying the national flag. The manner in which the Tiranga was used suggested a complete lack of respect or regard for its dignity. In the last 10 years, LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi travelled abroad 270 times. Now, after inciting the people and youth, Rahul Gandhi has now travelled to Vietnam. Why does he travel to Vietnam and abroad, and whom does he meet there? He regularly met Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna in the US. Ilhan Omar is a public representative who went to Pakistan and said that Kashmir was a part of Pakistan. Now, the Trump administration is conducting raids on Ilhan Omar's family. My question to Rahul Gandhi is: On whose instructions did he meet Ilhan Omar?&quot;&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2113165402515923035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Was it Soros? Is Sam Pitroda also a major conspirator? Is Rahul Gandhi carrying out agitations here at the behest of these people?" he posed. Dubey also accused Gandhi of instigating people by "playing with their emotions." "As a result, youths like Ashutosh Ranka and Saurabh Das were in jail for a couple of days. Gandhi then went to Vietnam," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-time-i-m-not-doing-it-trump-reveals-google-ceo-refused-his-atlantic-ocean-renaming-idea-1792668305153">'This time I’m not doing it': Trump reveals Google CEO refused his Atlantic Ocean renaming idea</a><h3>Nishikant Dubey hits out at Gandhi's Vietnam trip</h3>Over the Vietnam trip, Dubey questioned, "Now, after inciting the people, Rahul Gandhi has travelled to Vietnam. Why does he travel to Vietnam or any other foreign locations, and whom does he meet there?” The BJP MP also highlighted Gandhi’s meetings with US lawmakers Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna. "Ilhan Omar is a public representative who went to Pakistan and said that Kashmir was a part of Pakistan. Now, the Trump administration is conducting raids on Ilhan Omar's family. My question to Rahul Gandhi is: On whose instructions did he meet her?" Dubey questioned. Dubey went on to criticise the use of the national flag during the demonstrations, accusing protesters of showing disregard for its dignity. Dubey's remarks come as the BJP has accused Gandhi of going on holiday following the massive Opposition protests against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.&nbsp;

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey went on to criticise the use of the national flag during the demonstrations, accusing protesters of showing disregard for its dignity. 

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday (October 22) accused the LoP and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of having connections with anti-national forces and "playing with people's emotions" by involving them to incite protests. He also launched a scathing attack on Gandhi over his reported trip to Vietnam, accusing him of invoking people to protest before travelling abroad. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Dubey stated that Rahul Gandhi travelled across the world at least 270 times in the past 10 years. “He has been meeting American politicians... for their links with the Soros Foundation. So I want to ask him, under whose guidance he met such people.”

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey went on to criticise the use of the national flag during the demonstrations, accusing protesters of showing disregard for its dignity.&nbsp;

'Inciting protests, then fleeing for trip': BJP attacks Rahul, alleges links with anti-national forces

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday (Oct 20), the day the organisation marked its foundation day, calling it an “all-male, anti-constitutional cult” that believes women are the property of men.&nbsp;In a post on X, Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of gender inequality, calling it an “all-male, anti-constitutional cult”.&nbsp;Gandhi contrasted the RSS's ideology with his own beliefs, which he described as “Shiva-Shakti”.&nbsp;“The RSS is an all-male, anti-constitutional cult that believes women are the property of men. I believe in Shiva-Shakti. That's why it gives me such joy to fight them. What's beautiful is that many of their 'own' women are on my side,” Gandhi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The RSS is an al male anti-constitutional cult that believes women are the property of men.

I believe in Shiva-Shakti.

That's why it gives me such joy to fight them.

What's beautiful is that many of their “own” women are on my side.&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2112501779317600412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The remarks mark the latest in a series of sharp attacks by the Congress leader against the RSS.Earlier, on October 10, Gandhi accused the RSS of perpetrating violence against women protesters and young people amid political tensions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/western-forces-want-to-derail-and-destabilise-india-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-cautions-citizens-1792494322079">‘Western forces want to derail and destabilise India,’ says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, cautions citizens</a><h2>PM Modi hails RSS's 100-year journey</h2>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted RSS volunteers, known as swayamsevaks, on the organisation's foundation day and praised its century-long journey.&nbsp;In a post on X, Modi described the RSS's 100 years as a “remarkable century of service, nation-building and social harmony”. He also paid tribute to those who had helped build the organisation and expressed hope that its spirit of service would continue to contribute to India's development.&nbsp;The RSS marked the occasion with its annual Vijayadashami celebrations at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur, as it approaches the conclusion of its centenary celebrations.<h2>Mohan Bhagwat warns against Western forces</h2>Speaking on the occasion in Nagpur, Bhagwat warned that Western forces were seeking to derail India's development and said attempts to destabilise the country would not succeed.&nbsp;“There are Western forces that want the country derailed from its path of becoming developed, and efforts to dismantle India won't succeed,” he said.&nbsp;Bhagwat also rejected the idea that a change in government would automatically alter the country's circumstances, arguing that such a shift had not produced that outcome in the past and would not do so in the future.

Rahul Gandhi called the RSS an “all-male, anti-constitutional cult” on the day it marked its foundation day, while Narendra Modi praised its century-long journey and Mohan Bhagwat warned against Western attempts to derail India's development.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday (Oct 20), the day the organisation marked its foundation day, calling it an “all-male, anti-constitutional cult” that believes women are the property of men. In a post on X, Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of gender inequality, calling it an “all-male, anti-constitutional cult”. Gandhi contrasted the RSS's ideology with his own beliefs, which he described as “Shiva-Shakti”. “The RSS is an all-male, anti-constitutional cult that believes women are the property of men. I believe in Shiva-Shakti. That's why it gives me such joy to fight them. What's beautiful is that many of their 'own' women are on my side,” Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi called the RSS an “all-male, anti-constitutional cult” on the day it marked its foundation day, while Narendra Modi praised its century-long journey and Mohan Bhagwat warned against Western attempts to derail India's development.

‘All-male, anti-constitutional cult’: Rahul Gandhi attacks RSS on its foundation day

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday shared a post on X, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with Indian government officials in Mumbai next week, claiming that officials in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) were in a state of confusion."Mr Rubio has summoned his employee to Mumbai. Modi ji, your officials in the External Affairs Ministry are confused about what's going on. You might want to explain. Unless, of course, you want me to," wrote Mr Gandhi in a post on the social media platform X.US envoy Sergio Gor announced on Thursday at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to travel to Mumbai to meet Rubio next week. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh called it extraordinary that a foreign diplomat announced the domestic itinerary of India's External Affairs Minister.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-republicans-house-senate-midterms-alaska-dan-sullivan-1791913991743">Trump says Republicans face equally tough fight in House and Senate midterms</a>Ramesh objected to the conduct, questioning the External Affairs Minister’s “tryst” with Mr Rubio. “It is also not wholly surprising to hear him say that Mr Rubio will be meeting Govt of India officials in Mumbai.""But what is quite extraordinary is his statement that ‘we expect the Minister Dr Jaishankar to be joining us there along with other individuals’”.“Since when has the announcement of India’s Minister of External Affairs meetings within India been outsourced to somebody other than the official spokesperson of the MEA? India gets to know from the US Ambassador just as it first got to know from Mr Rubio himself on the evening of May 10, 2025 that Operation Sindoor had been halted.”Rubio will travel to Gujarat next week to visit the Reliance unit at Jamnagar and will later meet officials of the External Affairs Ministry in Mumbai.

Rahul Gandhi questioned PM Modi over Marco Rubio's planned Mumbai meeting with MEA officials, while Jairam Ramesh criticised the US envoy's announcement.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday shared a post on X, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with Indian government officials in Mumbai next week, claiming that officials in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) were in a state of confusion. "Mr Rubio has summoned his employee to Mumbai. Modi ji, your officials in the External Affairs Ministry are confused about what's going on. You might want to explain. Unless, of course, you want me to," wrote Mr Gandhi in a post on the social media platform X. US envoy Sergio Gor announced on Thursday at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to travel to Mumbai to meet Rubio next week. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh called it extraordinary that a foreign diplomat announced the domestic itinerary of India's External Affairs Minister. Also Read: Trump says Republicans face equally tough fight in House and Senate midterms Ramesh objected to the conduct, questioning the External Affairs Minister’s “tryst” with Mr Rubio. “It is also not wholly surprising to hear him say that Mr Rubio will be meeting Govt of India officials in Mumbai." "But what is quite extraordinary is his statement that ‘we expect the Minister Dr Jaishankar to be joining us there along with other individuals’”. “Since when has the announcement of India’s Minister of External Affairs meetings within India been outsourced to somebody other than the official spokesperson of the MEA? India gets to know from the US Ambassador just as it first got to know from Mr Rubio himself on the evening of May 10, 2025 that Operation Sindoor had been halted.” Rubio will travel to Gujarat next week to visit the Reliance unit at Jamnagar and will later meet officials of the External Affairs Ministry in Mumbai.

Rahul Gandhi questioned PM Modi over Marco Rubio's planned Mumbai meeting with MEA officials, while Jairam Ramesh criticised the US envoy's announcement.

'Rubio has summoned his employee to Mumbai' : Rahul Gandhi questions Modi over Rubio's meeting with MEA officials

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (October 15) urged President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor until the investigation into the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case is completed.&nbsp;In a letter shared on X, the Congress leader questioned the delay in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and said the identity of the alleged VIP linked to the case remained unclear nearly four years after the incident.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">राष्ट्रपति महोदया,

19 साल की अंकिता भंडारी ने एक VIP के लिए अपनी गरिमा से समझौता करने से इनकार किया, जिसके कारण उसकी हत्या कर दी गई। चार साल बाद भी CBI की धीमी जांच के चलते यह सवाल बना हुआ है कि वो VIP कौन था।

अंकिता के परिवार समेत कई लोग मानते हैं कि दुष्यंत गौतम इस मामले से जुड़े हुए हैं। ऐसे में उनकी सिक्किम के राज्यपाल के पद पर नियुक्ति से मैं स्तब्ध हूं। राज्यपाल के पद पर रहते हुए उनके खिलाफ कोई आपराधिक कार्यवाही नहीं हो सकती। 

दुष्यंत गौतम की नियुक्ति की सलाह देकर प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने साबित किया है कि महिलाओं की सुरक्षा की उन्हें बिल्कुल परवाह ही नहीं है।

मैं आपसे अपील करता हूं कि सरकार को इस नियुक्ति पर पुनर्विचार करने और जांच पूरी होने तक दुष्यंत गौतम को पदभार न देने की सलाह दें।

अंकिता के माता-पिता की न्याय की उम्मीद मत टूटने दीजिए।&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2110721830558339157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Madam President, Ankita Bhandari, aged 19, refused to compromise her dignity for a VIP, which led to her murder. Even four years later, due to the CBI's sluggish investigation, the question remains: who was that VIP?” Gandhi wrote.&nbsp;He said Ankita's family and others believed Gautam was connected to the case and expressed surprise over his appointment as Governor.&nbsp;“Many people, including Ankita's family, believe that Dushyant Gautam is connected to this case. In such a situation, I am stunned by his appointment as the Governor of Sikkim,” he said.&nbsp;Gandhi also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment, alleging that it showed a lack of concern for women's safety. He urged the President to ask the government to reconsider the decision and prevent Gautam from assuming office until the investigation is complete.&nbsp;“Do not let the hope for justice of Ankita's parents be shattered,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-mother-of-all-bombs-us-reportedly-plans-to-use-against-iran-1792070986788">Explained: 'Mother of All Bombs' US reportedly plans to use against Iran</a><h2>Ankita Bhandari's family seeks justice</h2>The development comes as Ankita's parents continue to seek justice and question Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor, as they believe he is the VIP linked to the case. The family has urged the government to put the appointment on hold until the CBI completes its investigation into the alleged VIP angle.&nbsp;Ankita, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand, was murdered on September 18, 2022. Her body was recovered from the Chilla Canal on September 24.&nbsp;Resort owner Pulkit Arya, manager Saurabh Bhaskar and assistant manager Ankit Gupta were arrested in connection with the murder. In May 2025, a court in Kotdwar sentenced all three to life imprisonment.&nbsp;However, questions surrounding the identity of the alleged VIP have continued to fuel demands from Ankita's family and others for further investigation.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi has urged President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor until the CBI completes its investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (October 15) urged President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor until the investigation into the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case is completed. In a letter shared on X, the Congress leader questioned the delay in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and said the identity of the alleged VIP linked to the case remained unclear nearly four years after the incident.

Rahul Gandhi has urged President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor until the CBI completes its investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

'Who was that VIP?': Rahul Gandhi urges President Murmu to reconsider Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 15), while hearing batch of pleas connected to the October 10 protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, issued notices to Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other protestors. The court said that the justices are not sitting inside “ivory towers” and are well aware of the statements made outside the courtroom. The court also clarified that issuing notices on the pleas by Rahul Gandhi and others does not mean the court does not know their conduct. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and others &nbsp;to explain their conduct on the next hearing date on Oct 26. The bench also sought response from ECI, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on Gandhi and others' plea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-protests-supreme-court-summons-senior-delhi-police-officer-over-alleged-assault-on-women-journalists-1791880561192">Delhi Protests: Supreme Court summons senior Delhi police officer over alleged assault on women journalists</a>&nbsp;"We will issue notice but we want to know his conduct on the next date of hearing,” the CJI said, referring to Rahul. He also said: “We are not sitting in ivory towers, we are aware of statements made outside the Court” after lawyers referred to attempts to “browbeat” the judiciary through the march. The CJI said said the court would ask Rahul to explain how crowds entered the Supreme Court premises during the demonstration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-protest-sc-orders-free-movement-across-delhi-reviews-barricades-bars-illegal-detentions-1791703552921">CJP protest: SC orders free movement across Delhi, reviews barricades, bars illegal detentions</a>&nbsp;<h3>What are these petitions?</h3>The petition follows an Opposition march towards the Supreme Court on October 12, led by Gandhi, against the SIR exercise.&nbsp; Although Gandhi had planned to submit the plea himself, it was ultimately filed through lawyers as the Registry was nearing closure. The petitioners include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MA Baby, Communist Party of India leader D Raja, Mahua Majhi of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Mohammed Basheer, Viduthalai Chirutbaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan, and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo. The plea challenged the legality of the SIR exercise and sought disclosure of the Election Commission’s records, publication of details of deleted voters, safeguards against arbitrary deletions and a mechanism for restoring names.&nbsp; It also sought a judicial audit of the revision process and suspension of the exercise across States pending adjudication. The apex court also issued notice on separate pleas concerning the SIR filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and other protesters over their October 12 march against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The CJI said the leaders must explain how crowds entered the court premises.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 15), while hearing batch of pleas connected to the October 10 protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, issued notices to Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other protestors. The court said that the justices are not sitting inside “ivory towers” and are well aware of the statements made outside the courtroom. The court also clarified that issuing notices on the pleas by Rahul Gandhi and others does not mean the court does not know their conduct. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and others to explain their conduct on the next hearing date on Oct 26. The bench also sought response from ECI, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on Gandhi and others' plea. Also Read: Delhi Protests: Supreme Court summons senior Delhi police officer over alleged assault on women journalists "We will issue notice but we want to know his conduct on the next date of hearing,” the CJI said, referring to Rahul. He also said: “We are not sitting in ivory towers, we are aware of statements made outside the Court” after lawyers referred to attempts to “browbeat” the judiciary through the march. The CJI said said the court would ask Rahul to explain how crowds entered the Supreme Court premises during the demonstration. Also Read: CJP protest: SC orders free movement across Delhi, reviews barricades, bars illegal detentions What are these petitions? The petition follows an Opposition march towards the Supreme Court on October 12, led by Gandhi, against the SIR exercise. Although Gandhi had planned to submit the plea himself, it was ultimately filed through lawyers as the Registry was nearing closure. The petitioners include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MA Baby, Communist Party of India leader D Raja, Mahua Majhi of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Mohammed Basheer, Viduthalai Chirutbaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan, and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo. The plea challenged the legality of the SIR exercise and sought disclosure of the Election Commission’s records, publication of details of deleted voters, safeguards against arbitrary deletions and a mechanism for restoring names. It also sought a judicial audit of the revision process and suspension of the exercise across States pending adjudication. The apex court also issued notice on separate pleas concerning the SIR filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and other protesters over their October 12 march against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The CJI said the leaders must explain how crowds entered the court premises.

'We are not sitting in ivory towers, we are aware': SC issues notice to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav

Amid protests against India’s top election officer Gyanesh Kumar, led by the youth movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and joined by opposition political parties, some sections of the media and government-aligned observers allege foreign attempts to destabilise the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Much of this speculation has focused on the US. While the merits of these allegations are up for debate, analysts and historians point to the US record of engineering or attempting regime change in several countries, including democracies. Such operations involved various agencies and organisations such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), aid agencies that channel funds through non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and arms suppliers that equipped different sides of the political divide in countries across continents.<h2>Allegations of foreign backing for the current protests in India</h2>A recurring theme in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allegations is that foreign forces are backing the protests. Sukanta Majumdar, a Union minister, described the movement as an attempt to “destabilise the country”, while BJP president Nitin Nabin accused it of acting “at the behest of foreign forces”.Security agencies are examining social media posts and profiles allegedly linked to foreign countries, including Pakistan, as well as claims about financial and material support for the CJP and other groups. Questions have also been raised about whether some protest organisers were in contact with personnel linked to the US Embassy, whether workshops involved American consultants, and whether money transfers from US-based foundations to Indian NGOs were connected to the protests.At the time of writing, no official findings confirming these allegations had been made public.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cjp-protest-supreme-court-rejects-plea-for-free-hand-to-delhi-police-1791545747388/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cjp-protest-supreme-court-rejects-plea-for-free-hand-to-delhi-police-1791545747388/embed</a><h2>American organisations under scrutiny in India: Recent developments</h2>What is often described as the US “deep state”, the official American aid agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its affiliated institutes are frequently mentioned in these allegations. These include the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI).The Open Society Foundations, established by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, and related entities have also been accused of funding NGOs, media outlets, activists and investigative projects to criticise or destabilise the Modi government, amplify protests and influence electoral narratives. These claims remain contested and should be distinguished from established evidence.Such funding is often linked in political debates to civil society organisations, human rights groups and media outlets critical of the government on issues such as minority rights, farmers’ protests and democratic backsliding. Over the past 12 years, the Indian government has tightened enforcement of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), cancelling the registrations of dozens of NGOs over alleged violations and concerns about foreign interference in India's internal affairs.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-singer-mary-millben-alleges-foreign-funding-for-cjp-warns-against-anti-modi-forces-all-you-need-to-know-1791977828737">US Singer Mary Millben alleges foreign funding for CJP, warns against anti-Modi forces: All you need to know</a>&nbsp;In 2025, the BJP cited reports that the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an investigative journalism network, receives funding from the US government. The party accused the organisation of producing material targeting Modi and his associates, describing this as part of a “deep state” agenda to destabilise India. Some of these allegations have also been linked politically to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.Former US State Department official Mike Benz has made unverified claims about American interference in Indian elections, including the 2019 general election, through USAID, think tanks, technology platforms and efforts to influence public narratives.In 2025, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said American intelligence agencies were not involved in regime-change efforts in India.USAID has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on development and governance programmes in India over successive administrations, often working through local organisations. In 2016, India placed the NED, which provides grants to civil society and related groups, under scrutiny in connection with FCRA-related restrictions.<h2>Past allegations of US influence operations in Indian politics</h2>India’s political discourse has repeatedly featured allegations that the US has tried to influence political outcomes in the country to advance its own interests.In his 1978 memoir, A Dangerous Place, former US ambassador to India Daniel Patrick Moynihan wrote that the US had provided financial assistance to the Indian National Congress on two occasions to help it counter communist influence, once in Kerala and once in West Bengal. One payment was reportedly made to Indira Gandhi, who later became prime minister, when she was a Congress party official.Another US diplomat, Ellsworth Bunker, also claimed financial assistance to the Congress, citing concerns about Soviet funding for the Communist Party of India during the Cold War. Indira Gandhi publicly rejected the allegations as “malicious, motivated and absolutely baseless”.There have also been allegations that the CIA, operating through aid channels, supported the anti-communist Vimochana Samaram, or Liberation Struggle, in Kerala. The movement contributed to the political campaign against the south Indian state’s Communist government, which was dismissed by the central government in 1959. Led by EMS Namboodiripad, it was the first democratically elected Communist government in India. However, claims of direct CIA involvement in the movement remain disputed.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-s-dipke-calls-for-lehra-do-tiranga-protest-at-delhi-s-connaught-place-on-oct-16-1791985165138">CJP's Dipke calls for 'Lehra do Tiranga' protest at Delhi's Connaught Place on Oct 16</a><h2>US interference: A recurring feature of Indian political discourse</h2>Opposition parties and protest movements in India have frequently faced allegations of receiving foreign backing. From the Cold War to the present, such claims of foreign interference in Indian politics have placed the US at the centre.&nbsp;However, allegations of foreign influence, evidence of foreign funding and proof of an organised regime-change operation are distinct matters. Many claims about links between foreign organisations and Indian opposition movements remain unsubstantiated.&nbsp;

Allegations of US interference in Indian politics have resurfaced amid protests against the Modi government over the actions of top election official Gyanesh Kumar. This is nothing new. Foreign funding and influence claims are part of historical political discourse in India

Amid protests against India’s top election officer Gyanesh Kumar, led by the youth movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and joined by opposition political parties, some sections of the media and government-aligned observers allege foreign attempts to destabilise the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Much of this speculation has focused on the US. While the merits of these allegations are up for debate, analysts and historians point to the US record of engineering or attempting regime change in several countries, including democracies. Such operations involved various agencies and organisations such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), aid agencies that channel funds through non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and arms suppliers that equipped different sides of the political divide in countries across continents. Allegations of foreign backing for the current protests in India A recurring theme in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allegations is that foreign forces are backing the protests. Sukanta Majumdar, a Union minister, described the movement as an attempt to “destabilise the country”, while BJP president Nitin Nabin accused it of acting “at the behest of foreign forces”. Security agencies are examining social media posts and profiles allegedly linked to foreign countries, including Pakistan, as well as claims about financial and material support for the CJP and other groups. Questions have also been raised about whether some protest organisers were in contact with personnel linked to the US Embassy, whether workshops involved American consultants, and whether money transfers from US-based foundations to Indian NGOs were connected to the protests. At the time of writing, no official findings confirming these allegations had been made public. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cjp-protest-supreme-court-rejects-plea-for-free-hand-to-delhi-police-1791545747388/embed American organisations under scrutiny in India: Recent developments What is often described as the US “deep state”, the official American aid agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its affiliated institutes are frequently mentioned in these allegations. These include the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI). The Open Society Foundations, established by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, and related entities have also been accused of funding NGOs, media outlets, activists and investigative projects to criticise or destabilise the Modi government, amplify protests and influence electoral narratives. These claims remain contested and should be distinguished from established evidence. Such funding is often linked in political debates to civil society organisations, human rights groups and media outlets critical of the government on issues such as minority rights, farmers’ protests and democratic backsliding. Over the past 12 years, the Indian government has tightened enforcement of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), cancelling the registrations of dozens of NGOs over alleged violations and concerns about foreign interference in India's internal affairs. Also read: US Singer Mary Millben alleges foreign funding for CJP, warns against anti-Modi forces: All you need to know In 2025, the BJP cited reports that the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an investigative journalism network, receives funding from the US government. The party accused the organisation of producing material targeting Modi and his associates, describing this as part of a “deep state” agenda to destabilise India. Some of these allegations have also been linked politically to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Former US State Department official Mike Benz has made unverified claims about American interference in Indian elections, including the 2019 general election, through USAID, think tanks, technology platforms and efforts to influence public narratives. In 2025, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said American intelligence agencies were not involved in regime-change efforts in India. USAID has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on development and governance programmes in India over successive administrations, often working through local organisations. In 2016, India placed the NED, which provides grants to civil society and related groups, under scrutiny in connection with FCRA-related restrictions. Past allegations of US influence operations in Indian politics India’s political discourse has repeatedly featured allegations that the US has tried to influence political outcomes in the country to advance its own interests. In his 1978 memoir, A Dangerous Place, former US ambassador to India Daniel Patrick Moynihan wrote that the US had provided financial assistance to the Indian National Congress on two occasions to help it counter communist influence, once in Kerala and once in West Bengal. One payment was reportedly made to Indira Gandhi, who later became prime minister, when she was a Congress party official. Another US diplomat, Ellsworth Bunker, also claimed financial assistance to the Congress, citing concerns about Soviet funding for the Communist Party of India during the Cold War. Indira Gandhi publicly rejected the allegations as “malicious, motivated and absolutely baseless”. There have also been allegations that the CIA, operating through aid channels, supported the anti-communist Vimochana Samaram, or Liberation Struggle, in Kerala. The movement contributed to the political campaign against the south Indian state’s Communist government, which was dismissed by the central government in 1959. Led by EMS Namboodiripad, it was the first democratically elected Communist government in India. However, claims of direct CIA involvement in the movement remain disputed. Also read: CJP's Dipke calls for 'Lehra do Tiranga' protest at Delhi's Connaught Place on Oct 16 US interference: A recurring feature of Indian political discourse Opposition parties and protest movements in India have frequently faced allegations of receiving foreign backing. From the Cold War to the present, such claims of foreign interference in Indian politics have placed the US at the centre. However, allegations of foreign influence, evidence of foreign funding and proof of an organised regime-change operation are distinct matters. Many claims about links between foreign organisations and Indian opposition movements remain unsubstantiated.

Allegations of US interference in Indian politics have resurfaced amid protests against the Modi government over the actions of top election official Gyanesh Kumar. This is nothing new. Foreign funding and influence claims are part of historical political discourse in India

Is America trying to ‘destabilise’ India or change its regime? How influence operations became a recurring theme in political rhetoric

Indian-origin US Representative Pramila Jayapal on Wednesday (Oct 14) criticised the Indian government's electoral list revision, aka the SIR exercise, alleging that it could "purge 130 million people from the voting rolls". She also expressed support for non-violent protests against what she described as "anti-democratic efforts"."I am deeply concerned about the actions of the Indian government to purge 130 million people from the voting rolls," Jayapal said in a statement on X. She compared the situation with what she described as efforts by the Trump administration to undermine voting rights in the United States."Protecting democracies everywhere is essential work, and the Indian people, like the American people, deserve free and fair elections," said the Washington representative, adding that she stood with Indians participating in non-violent protests.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261015/image-1792041505119.png"></figure>Her remarks come amid demonstrations against the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-slams-coward-sarkar-as-saurav-das-ashutosh-ranka-sent-to-5-days-judicial-custody-over-jantar-mantar-protest-1791949661026">CJP slams 'Coward Sarkar' as Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka sent to 5 days' judicial custody over Jantar Mantar protest</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi alleges police assault on student protesters</h2>In Delhi, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused police of assaulting student protesters detained during demonstrations against the electoral roll revision exercise. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah not to suppress the demonstrators' voices.Addressing protesters, Gandhi described the gathering as a collective expression that cut across religion, caste and gender. "As I said in my press conference, this is India. Amit Shah ji, take a good look at this. There is no Hindu here, no Muslim, no one of any specific caste; there is no woman, no man. There is one voice, one protest. It is the voice of India, and you are standing against this voice—the Prime Minister is standing against this voice. I suggest to you: do not stand against this voice. No one can stand against this voice," Gandhi said.He also urged students to record any alleged police misconduct and share the evidence with the Congress. Gandhi said the party would use the material to seek accountability from those found responsible. His remarks followed allegations from student activists that they had been assaulted in police vehicles and at police stations."To the police personnel, I have told all the students to keep a video record and send that evidence to us. When this entire matter concludes, we will utilise all that evidence and ensure that everyone who needs to be punished is punished, from PM Narendra Modi, Gyanesh Kumar, Amit Shah, and even the constable who is raising a hand against our children," he said.During a press conference, Gandhi also highlighted the case of Athira, a Delhi University student from Kerala, alleging that she had lost hearing in one ear after being struck during detention. The allegations have not been independently established in the material provided.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/near-the-seat-of-power-far-from-free-protest-jantar-mantar-to-tiananmen-5-iconic-protest-sites-where-protests-are-no-longer-allowed-1791879318970">Near the seat of power, far from free protest? Jantar Mantar to Tiananmen: 5 iconic protest sites where protests are no longer allowed</a><h2>Actor Imran Khan issued notice to leave India by October 28 after Mumbai protest</h2>Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, has reportedly been issued a notice by Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28, following his participation in a protest in Mumbai over the Election Commission of India's electoral roll revision exercise.Notably, Khan attended a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was also taken into custody by Mumbai Police. The notice was reportedly issued under provisions of the Immigration Act, with authorities citing his participation in the protest despite his not being an Indian citizen.&nbsp;

US Representative Pramila Jayapal has criticised India's voter roll revision exercise, citing a claim involving 130 million people, as Rahul Gandhi alleges police excesses against student protesters. Here's what she said,

Indian-origin US Representative Pramila Jayapal on Wednesday (Oct 14) criticised the Indian government's electoral list revision, aka the SIR exercise, alleging that it could "purge 130 million people from the voting rolls". She also expressed support for non-violent protests against what she described as "anti-democratic efforts". "I am deeply concerned about the actions of the Indian government to purge 130 million people from the voting rolls," Jayapal said in a statement on X. She compared the situation with what she described as efforts by the Trump administration to undermine voting rights in the United States. "Protecting democracies everywhere is essential work, and the Indian people, like the American people, deserve free and fair elections," said the Washington representative, adding that she stood with Indians participating in non-violent protests. Her remarks come amid demonstrations against the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Also read | CJP slams 'Coward Sarkar' as Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka sent to 5 days' judicial custody over Jantar Mantar protest Rahul Gandhi alleges police assault on student protesters In Delhi, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused police of assaulting student protesters detained during demonstrations against the electoral roll revision exercise. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah not to suppress the demonstrators' voices. Addressing protesters, Gandhi described the gathering as a collective expression that cut across religion, caste and gender. "As I said in my press conference, this is India. Amit Shah ji, take a good look at this. There is no Hindu here, no Muslim, no one of any specific caste; there is no woman, no man. There is one voice, one protest. It is the voice of India, and you are standing against this voice—the Prime Minister is standing against this voice. I suggest to you: do not stand against this voice. No one can stand against this voice," Gandhi said. He also urged students to record any alleged police misconduct and share the evidence with the Congress. Gandhi said the party would use the material to seek accountability from those found responsible. His remarks followed allegations from student activists that they had been assaulted in police vehicles and at police stations. "To the police personnel, I have told all the students to keep a video record and send that evidence to us. When this entire matter concludes, we will utilise all that evidence and ensure that everyone who needs to be punished is punished, from PM Narendra Modi, Gyanesh Kumar, Amit Shah, and even the constable who is raising a hand against our children," he said. During a press conference, Gandhi also highlighted the case of Athira, a Delhi University student from Kerala, alleging that she had lost hearing in one ear after being struck during detention. The allegations have not been independently established in the material provided. Also read | Near the seat of power, far from free protest? Jantar Mantar to Tiananmen: 5 iconic protest sites where protests are no longer allowed Actor Imran Khan issued notice to leave India by October 28 after Mumbai protest Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, has reportedly been issued a notice by Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28, following his participation in a protest in Mumbai over the Election Commission of India's electoral roll revision exercise. Notably, Khan attended a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was also taken into custody by Mumbai Police. The notice was reportedly issued under provisions of the Immigration Act, with authorities citing his participation in the protest despite his not being an Indian citizen.

US Representative Pramila Jayapal has criticised India's voter roll revision exercise, citing a claim involving 130 million people, as Rahul Gandhi alleges police excesses against student protesters. Here's what she said.

US: India-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticises India over SIR, alleges 130 million being 'purged' from electoral rolls

In the first public display of support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Oct 14) slammed the arrest of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for breaching the Jantar Mantar after it was de-notified as protest site. The support evoked a prompt thank you message from the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were on Wednesday morning remanded to five-day judicial custody for trespassing at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;"Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. “Students. Youth. Journalists. The INDIA bloc. Different banners, one cause. All protests are one: citizens demanding their constitutional rights.” Indicating that the Congress will also fight the Centre's move to denotify Jantar Mantar as a protest site, Rahul Gandhi added that people will reclaim it. Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. We will reclaim it," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-protest-sc-orders-free-movement-across-delhi-reviews-barricades-bars-illegal-detentions-1791703552921">CJP protest: SC orders free movement across Delhi, reviews barricades, bars illegal detentions</a>&nbsp;This comes amid reports claiming that Rahul Gandhi is avoiding to share stage with the CJP leadership earlier in July and also during the latest protest. On October 10, Rahul Gandhi invited all Opposition parties to come together to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul and Priyanka Vadra made appearance with AISA leader Neha Bora during the march to Supreme Court. She was also invited to Gandhi's tea party on Tuesday along with several other civil society groups. The CJP, however, was not invited to the gathering.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261014/image-1791966598694.png"></figure>&nbsp;CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Rahul Gandhi for the show of support.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261014/image-1791966649927.png"></figure>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haven-t-signed-bond-saying-we-won-t-protest-cjp-s-dipke-vows-to-hit-streets-again-1791723721836">‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again</a>&nbsp;Reacting to the court's order, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde accused the government of misusing its powers to curtail people's fundamental rights. He said the two leaders had gone to Jantar Mantar along with him and other party volunteers, where they waved the national flag and raised the slogan 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "You may know that Ashutosh, Saurav Das and I, along with volunteers from CJP, went to Jantar Mantar.We simply waved the Indian national flag and raised the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Shinde said. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das and its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 13) after they and several other leaders of their party jumped and entered Jantar Mantar's locked gates and claimed that it has been breached.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi has backed Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after they were sent to five-day judicial custody over the Jantar Mantar protest. Calling their jailing an act of cowardice, he said the site belongs to the people and vowed to reclaim it.

In the first public display of support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Oct 14) slammed the arrest of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for breaching the Jantar Mantar after it was de-notified as protest site. The support evoked a prompt thank you message from the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were on Wednesday morning remanded to five-day judicial custody for trespassing at Jantar Mantar. "Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. “Students. Youth. Journalists. The INDIA bloc. Different banners, one cause. All protests are one: citizens demanding their constitutional rights.” Indicating that the Congress will also fight the Centre's move to denotify Jantar Mantar as a protest site, Rahul Gandhi added that people will reclaim it. Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. We will reclaim it," he added. Also Read: CJP protest: SC orders free movement across Delhi, reviews barricades, bars illegal detentions This comes amid reports claiming that Rahul Gandhi is avoiding to share stage with the CJP leadership earlier in July and also during the latest protest. On October 10, Rahul Gandhi invited all Opposition parties to come together to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul and Priyanka Vadra made appearance with AISA leader Neha Bora during the march to Supreme Court. She was also invited to Gandhi's tea party on Tuesday along with several other civil society groups. The CJP, however, was not invited to the gathering. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Rahul Gandhi for the show of support. Also Read: ‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again Reacting to the court's order, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde accused the government of misusing its powers to curtail people's fundamental rights. He said the two leaders had gone to Jantar Mantar along with him and other party volunteers, where they waved the national flag and raised the slogan 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "You may know that Ashutosh, Saurav Das and I, along with volunteers from CJP, went to Jantar Mantar.We simply waved the Indian national flag and raised the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Shinde said. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das and its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 13) after they and several other leaders of their party jumped and entered Jantar Mantar's locked gates and claimed that it has been breached.

Rahul Gandhi has backed Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after they were sent to five-day judicial custody over the Jantar Mantar protest. Calling their jailing an act of cowardice, he said the site belongs to the people and vowed to reclaim it.

'Jailing youth is cowardice act': Rahul Gandhi backs jailed CJP leaders in first public show of support

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his allegations on the Election Commission and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and advised the Congress MP to introspect instead for his party’s defeats in successive elections.&nbsp;Shah made the remarks after the BJP won 90 of 104 seats across three urban local bodies in Gujarat, including 38 of the 44 seats in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, and predicted that the Congress would lose the 2029 Lok Sabha elections also.&nbsp;“The SIR only came into effect after 2024. Ever since you emerged as the principal leader of the Congress and subsequently Leader of the Opposition, the party has consistently lost elections,” Shah told reporters in Delhi.“I also wish to ask Rahul ji: is this the result of an SIR? You dismiss the popularity of the BJP and (PM Narendra) Modi ji by attributing it to ‘SIR’. You need to introspect,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In Tripura, the Congress hasn't had a Chief Minister in 33 years. In Bengal, the Congress hasn’t won in 54 years. In Gujarat, the Congress has consistently lost for five decades, since 1985,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Congress has not won an election in Gujarat for 41 years</h2>&nbsp;Shah said the Congress had also lost elections when ballot papers were used. He accused the Congress of engaging in negative politics and called it an “anti-democracy” and “anti-Constitution” party.&nbsp;Shah said the Congress had not won an election in Gujarat for 41 years.&nbsp;“I want to make this point clear—and specifically convey it to Rahul ji—that the Congress party has not won a single election in 41 years. The last election they won was back in 1985; since then, they have faced continuous defeats in Gujarat,” Shah said.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi has been spearheading the INDIA bloc’s protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.He has also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah of shielding Kumar and pressuring the Election Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>BJP wins 90 of the 104 seats; AAP loses deposit in all 32 seats</h2>&nbsp;Shah said the BJP secured a decisive victory in elections held for three municipalities and municipal corporations and won 90 of the 104 seats across the two municipalities and one municipal corporation.&nbsp;Shah said the Aam Aadmi Party contested all 32 seats but forfeited its security deposit in all of them.&nbsp;“This massive victory in Gujarat reflects the mood of the state’s voters, demonstrating that the electorate of Gujarat stands rock-solid behind Narendra Modi ji," Shah said.He added that the BJP had increased its vote share in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation by 10 percentage points compared with the previous election.&nbsp;The Home Minister also referred to Congress’s defeats in bypolls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, arguing that the party needed to examine the reasons behind its performance.&nbsp;Shah also referred to the BJP’s performance in Rajasthan’s local body elections, claiming that the party had secured a thumping majority there.&nbsp;He further accused Rahul Gandhi of being unable to accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity.&nbsp;<h2>‘Protests will not help Congress regain public support’</h2>&nbsp;Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s student outreach programme, ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, Shah said, “You can no longer gain the trust of the people by fabricating media events and ‘Jhooth Ki Goonj’.”&nbsp;He said protests and allegations would not help the Congress party regain public support.“I want to tell Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues to once again prepare for a crushing defeat in the 2029 general elections. The NDA is poised to win with a landslide majority, and the Congress is set to lose for the fourth consecutive time,” he said.&nbsp;The Union Home Minister argued that the Congress’s series of electoral setbacks could not be attributed solely to allegations on voter lists or EVMs.He pointed to the use of ballot papers in Tripura’s local polls and said the BJP’s performance there countered claims that its victories depended on EVMs.&nbsp;Shah also said that Rahul could not claim to represent the country by mobilising Opposition leaders and supporters for the anti-SIR protests in Delhi. “The nation’s voice is in the fields, barns, villages, remote hills, forests, and even on the banks of rivers. You have no reach there,” he said.&nbsp;He also accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to protect infiltrators by trying to stall the SIR exercise.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Congress has not won an election in Gujarat for 41 years. He accused Rahul Gandhi of being unable to accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and said protests and allegations would not help the Congress party regain public support.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his allegations on the Election Commission and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and advised the Congress MP to introspect instead for his party’s defeats in successive elections. Shah made the remarks after the BJP won 90 of 104 seats across three urban local bodies in Gujarat, including 38 of the 44 seats in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, and predicted that the Congress would lose the 2029 Lok Sabha elections also. “The SIR only came into effect after 2024. Ever since you emerged as the principal leader of the Congress and subsequently Leader of the Opposition, the party has consistently lost elections,” Shah told reporters in Delhi. “I also wish to ask Rahul ji: is this the result of an SIR? You dismiss the popularity of the BJP and (PM Narendra) Modi ji by attributing it to ‘SIR’. You need to introspect,” he said. “In Tripura, the Congress hasn't had a Chief Minister in 33 years. In Bengal, the Congress hasn’t won in 54 years. In Gujarat, the Congress has consistently lost for five decades, since 1985,” he said. Congress has not won an election in Gujarat for 41 years Shah said the Congress had also lost elections when ballot papers were used. He accused the Congress of engaging in negative politics and called it an “anti-democracy” and “anti-Constitution” party. Shah said the Congress had not won an election in Gujarat for 41 years. “I want to make this point clear—and specifically convey it to Rahul ji—that the Congress party has not won a single election in 41 years. The last election they won was back in 1985; since then, they have faced continuous defeats in Gujarat,” Shah said. Rahul Gandhi has been spearheading the INDIA bloc’s protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He has also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah of shielding Kumar and pressuring the Election Commission. BJP wins 90 of the 104 seats; AAP loses deposit in all 32 seats Shah said the BJP secured a decisive victory in elections held for three municipalities and municipal corporations and won 90 of the 104 seats across the two municipalities and one municipal corporation. Shah said the Aam Aadmi Party contested all 32 seats but forfeited its security deposit in all of them. “This massive victory in Gujarat reflects the mood of the state’s voters, demonstrating that the electorate of Gujarat stands rock-solid behind Narendra Modi ji," Shah said. He added that the BJP had increased its vote share in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation by 10 percentage points compared with the previous election. The Home Minister also referred to Congress’s defeats in bypolls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, arguing that the party needed to examine the reasons behind its performance. Shah also referred to the BJP’s performance in Rajasthan’s local body elections, claiming that the party had secured a thumping majority there. He further accused Rahul Gandhi of being unable to accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity. ‘Protests will not help Congress regain public support’ Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s student outreach programme, ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, Shah said, “You can no longer gain the trust of the people by fabricating media events and ‘Jhooth Ki Goonj’.” He said protests and allegations would not help the Congress party regain public support. “I want to tell Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues to once again prepare for a crushing defeat in the 2029 general elections. The NDA is poised to win with a landslide majority, and the Congress is set to lose for the fourth consecutive time,” he said. The Union Home Minister argued that the Congress’s series of electoral setbacks could not be attributed solely to allegations on voter lists or EVMs. He pointed to the use of ballot papers in Tripura’s local polls and said the BJP’s performance there countered claims that its victories depended on EVMs. Shah also said that Rahul could not claim to represent the country by mobilising Opposition leaders and supporters for the anti-SIR protests in Delhi. “The nation’s voice is in the fields, barns, villages, remote hills, forests, and even on the banks of rivers. You have no reach there,” he said. He also accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to protect infiltrators by trying to stall the SIR exercise.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Congress has not won an election in Gujarat for 41 years. He accused Rahul Gandhi of being unable to accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and said protests and allegations would not help the Congress party regain public support.

‘Don’t blame SIR, Congress will lose 2029 too’: Amit Shah tells Rahul Gandhi after Gujarat local poll results

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has spoken about the anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protests following a rally near the Supreme Court. The political developments come amid opposition concerns over electoral processes and demands for accountability from the Election Commission. The gathering over tea following the rally has drawn attention as opposition leaders continue to raise questions about election-related issues and democratic institutions.

Rahul Gandhi speaks on Anti-CeC protests: Gathering over tea after Supreme Court rally

A day after the INDIA bloc's "Chalo Dilli" march to the Supreme Court, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar that "the net is closing around them", as he vowed to challenge restrictions on protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and continue what he described as the opposition's fight to restore democracy.&nbsp;Addressing a joint press conference after a high tea meeting with INDIA bloc leaders, the Congress leader said the government could not prevent people from raising their voices and warned that the opposition's campaign would continue.&nbsp;"The one method of expression of democracy was Jantar Mantar, and now the government has decided that Jantar Mantar can no longer be used to express democratic feelings. We are going to challenge that idea," Gandhi said.&nbsp;"It is not going to be so simple for the government to decide that the Indian people will not fight for their voice," he added.&nbsp;Targeting PM Modi, Shah and Gyanesh Kumar, Gandhi alleged that those responsible for the decision would face continued opposition.&nbsp;"The people who have done this, Mr Modi, who is the main architect, Mr Amit Shah, who is the implementer, Mr Gyanesh Kumar, and others, they need to understand that the net is closing around them," he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔹We are standing together as one. There are no parallel protests, only one single protest with one mission: to restore democracy in India.

🔹 Democracy has been destroyed, the electoral system undermined, and the Constitution torn up. We are fighting together to restore democratic rule.

🔹The government has barred protests at Jantar Mantar, a platform for democratic expression. We will challenge this decision.

🔹 Modi is the main architect, Amit Shah the implementer, and Gyanesh Kumar and others are complicit. They must understand that the net is closing around them. They cannot destroy the Constitution and get away with it.

🔹Yesterday, you witnessed an expression not merely of political parties standing here, but of the people of India.

🙏 We thank the people of Delhi and the people of India for standing with us.

🔹We are committed to fighting to the very end to restore the democratic process.

🔹 Our promise to the people is that those responsible, including Modi, Shah, Gyanesh Kumar, and others, will be brought to justice.

: LoP Shri @RahulGandhi 

📍 Delhi&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://x.com/INCIndia/status/2109989403032801576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>'One singular protest' to restore democracy</h2>Gandhi stressed that opposition parties were united in their campaign, rejecting the idea that separate protests were taking place. He alleged that democracy and the electoral system had been undermined and called for the restoration of democratic rule.&nbsp;"We are all standing here together as one. As I said yesterday, there are no parallel protests. There is one singular protest, and the protest has one mission: restoration of democracy in India," he said.&nbsp;"Democracy has been destroyed in this country. The election system has been destroyed. The Constitution has been torn up and thrown away. We are fighting together to restore democratic rule, genuine democratic rule in this country," Gandhi added.&nbsp;The Congress leader also said the opposition would continue its campaign regardless of the role played by judicial or other institutions.&nbsp;"We have immense respect for the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India, and the Indian judicial system; they have a role to play, and we hope they will play it," Gandhi said.&nbsp;"However, we are political people; no matter what happens, or which institution plays a role or doesn't, political resistance will continue, people's resistance will continue, and it will triumph," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/l-murugan-resigns-as-union-minister-expresses-wish-to-return-to-grassroots-1791895638826">L Murugan resigns as Union Minister, expresses wish to return to grassroots</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi promises sustained opposition campaign</h2>Gandhi reiterated that the opposition would not abandon its campaign, invoking the word "perseverance" to describe its approach and promising to continue the fight until it achieved its objective.&nbsp;"I used the word 'perseverance' at the press conference yesterday—that this team of ours is not going to stop," he said.&nbsp;He added that the campaign could continue for months or years, without specifying the next steps.&nbsp;"Sooner or later—whether tomorrow, the day after, in three months, six months, a year, or two years—it will not stop. It will reach the end goal," Gandhi said.&nbsp;Earlier on Tuesday, Gandhi said he had invited INDIA bloc leaders, opposition MPs, student organisations and civil society members to his residence for tea before addressing the media together.&nbsp;"Today I have invited the leaders of the INDIA alliance, opposition MPs, student organisations, and civil society comrades to my home for tea. In this people's movement to protect democracy, we are all together - and this movement will continue relentlessly," Gandhi in a post on X.&nbsp;The meeting was attended by Key opposition leaders, including Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal. RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Manoj Jha, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, JMM leader Mahua Maji, and Samajwadi Party leaders Harendra Malik and Iqra Hasan were also present, along with CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby and AISA president Neha Bora.

A day after the INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, Rahul Gandhi hosted a high tea meeting with opposition leaders to discuss their united fight to restore democracy, vowing to continue the movement through sustained political resistance and further action.

A day after the INDIA bloc's "Chalo Dilli" march to the Supreme Court, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar that "the net is closing around them", as he vowed to challenge restrictions on protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and continue what he described as the opposition's fight to restore democracy. Addressing a joint press conference after a high tea meeting with INDIA bloc leaders, the Congress leader said the government could not prevent people from raising their voices and warned that the opposition's campaign would continue. "The one method of expression of democracy was Jantar Mantar, and now the government has decided that Jantar Mantar can no longer be used to express democratic feelings. We are going to challenge that idea," Gandhi said. "It is not going to be so simple for the government to decide that the Indian people will not fight for their voice," he added. Targeting PM Modi, Shah and Gyanesh Kumar, Gandhi alleged that those responsible for the decision would face continued opposition. "The people who have done this, Mr Modi, who is the main architect, Mr Amit Shah, who is the implementer, Mr Gyanesh Kumar, and others, they need to understand that the net is closing around them," he said.

A day after the INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, Rahul Gandhi hosted a high tea meeting with opposition leaders to discuss their united fight to restore democracy, vowing to continue the movement through sustained political resistance and further action.

‘Net is closing’ around PM Modi, Shah and Gyanesh Kumar: Rahul Gandhi after high tea meet with INDIA bloc leaders

The Supreme Court has flagged 14 defects in Rahul Gandhi’s petition. The observations relate to procedural issues identified in the filing. Further details on the court’s observations and the next steps in the case are awaited.


Delhi Protests: Supreme Court flags 14 defects in Rahul Gandhi’s petition

A petition filed by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) will not be heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (Oct 13) after the registry flagged 14 defects in the filing. The defects include a ₹220 shortfall in court fees, an illegible photocopy of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's identity card and missing vakalatnamas for nine petitioners. The petitioners' legal team has requested that the matter be listed on Wednesday (Oct 14) after the objections are addressed.&nbsp;The delay comes as the Opposition leaders seek an independent, time-bound inquiry into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They have also sought a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls until the inquiry is completed. The plea was expected to be considered alongside other pending petitions linked to protests in Delhi demanding Kumar’s resignation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-is-a-dictator-abhijeet-dipke-claims-govt-scared-of-youth-slams-stringent-measures-ahead-of-cjp-jantar-mantar-protest-1791601819295">'Modi is a dictator': Abhijeet Dipke claims govt 'scared' of youth, slams stringent measures</a><h2>Missing vakalatnamas</h2>Nine of the 11 petitioners are yet to submit their vakalatnamas, the documents authorising lawyers to represent them in court. Those named among the petitioners whose documents are missing include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy.The registry has also questioned the inclusion of “private parties” as respondents in a writ petition framed as a public interest litigation. The objection relates to the decision to name all three election commissioners as respondents, alongside the ECI.The petition names Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.&nbsp;<h2>Plea follows Opposition march and CJI meeting request</h2>The filing came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a meeting with Gandhi and Kharge, the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively. He indicated that their concerns could be raised through judicial proceedings and assured an expeditious hearing if they approached the court.Gandhi personally appeared at the Supreme Court on Monday evening to file the petition, accompanied by Kharge and nine other Opposition leaders. Their joint move signalled a coordinated challenge to the electoral roll revision exercise and what they alleged was unilateral decision-making within the poll panel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/right-to-protest-must-be-protected-but-delhi-police-reveals-why-it-denied-cjp-permission-for-october-10-jantar-mantar-protest-1791597649145">‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest</a><h2>What the Opposition wants the court to examine</h2>Filed through advocate S Prasanna, the petition seeks an independent investigation into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Kumar, including the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR.The petitioners said they had approached the Supreme Court to “protect the constitutional guarantee of universal adult suffrage” and ensure that elections remain free, fair, transparent and accountable. They clarified that they were not asking the court to reconsider the validity of the SIR itself. Instead, they want it to examine whether established safeguards were followed and whether the ECI acted collectively while taking decisions on the exercise.<h2>Petition seeks records of alleged disagreements within ECI</h2>The plea cites an Indian Express report that election commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had objected to unilateral decision-making by Kumar on 14 occasions over a period of 10 months. On that basis, the petition asks the Supreme Court to call for complete records of the disputed decisions, including files, agendas, minutes, internal notings and objections recorded by the two commissioners. These records, the petition says, should include material relating to the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR.“The reported exercise of collective powers by a single member, if established, would raise a substantial question concerning compliance with Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 18 of the 2023 Act,” the petition states. It argues that the issue goes beyond internal administrative procedure and concerns the lawful exercise of constitutional authority by the body responsible for safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders' plea against alleged unilateral decisions by the Election Commission will not be heard on Tuesday after the Supreme Court registry flagged 14 filing defects, including missing vakalatnamas and a court-fee shortfall.


A petition filed by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) will not be heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (Oct 13) after the registry flagged 14 defects in the filing. The defects include a ₹220 shortfall in court fees, an illegible photocopy of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's identity card and missing vakalatnamas for nine petitioners. The petitioners' legal team has requested that the matter be listed on Wednesday (Oct 14) after the objections are addressed. The delay comes as the Opposition leaders seek an independent, time-bound inquiry into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They have also sought a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls until the inquiry is completed. The plea was expected to be considered alongside other pending petitions linked to protests in Delhi demanding Kumar’s resignation. Also read | 'Modi is a dictator': Abhijeet Dipke claims govt 'scared' of youth, slams stringent measures Missing vakalatnamas Nine of the 11 petitioners are yet to submit their vakalatnamas, the documents authorising lawyers to represent them in court. Those named among the petitioners whose documents are missing include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy. The registry has also questioned the inclusion of “private parties” as respondents in a writ petition framed as a public interest litigation. The objection relates to the decision to name all three election commissioners as respondents, alongside the ECI. The petition names Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Plea follows Opposition march and CJI meeting request The filing came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a meeting with Gandhi and Kharge, the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively. He indicated that their concerns could be raised through judicial proceedings and assured an expeditious hearing if they approached the court. Gandhi personally appeared at the Supreme Court on Monday evening to file the petition, accompanied by Kharge and nine other Opposition leaders. Their joint move signalled a coordinated challenge to the electoral roll revision exercise and what they alleged was unilateral decision-making within the poll panel. Also read | ‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest What the Opposition wants the court to examine Filed through advocate S Prasanna, the petition seeks an independent investigation into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Kumar, including the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR. The petitioners said they had approached the Supreme Court to “protect the constitutional guarantee of universal adult suffrage” and ensure that elections remain free, fair, transparent and accountable. They clarified that they were not asking the court to reconsider the validity of the SIR itself. Instead, they want it to examine whether established safeguards were followed and whether the ECI acted collectively while taking decisions on the exercise. Petition seeks records of alleged disagreements within ECI The plea cites an Indian Express report that election commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had objected to unilateral decision-making by Kumar on 14 occasions over a period of 10 months. On that basis, the petition asks the Supreme Court to call for complete records of the disputed decisions, including files, agendas, minutes, internal notings and objections recorded by the two commissioners. These records, the petition says, should include material relating to the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR. “The reported exercise of collective powers by a single member, if established, would raise a substantial question concerning compliance with Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 18 of the 2023 Act,” the petition states. It argues that the issue goes beyond internal administrative procedure and concerns the lawful exercise of constitutional authority by the body responsible for safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders' plea against alleged unilateral decisions by the Election Commission will not be heard on Tuesday after the Supreme Court registry flagged 14 filing defects, including missing vakalatnamas and a court-fee shortfall.

Rahul Gandhi's plea against Election Commission delayed as Supreme Court registry flags 14 ‘defects’

The opposition leaders from the INDIA Bloc filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Monday, listing 10 prayers, including an interim stay on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and action on alleged irregularities in the poll process.&nbsp;According to the petition listed on the Supreme Court website as Rahul Gandhi v. Election Commission of India, the Congress legal team filed the plea before Gandhi reached the court in the evening. Lawyer S Prasanna filed the petition, as Rahul could not arrive before the 4.30 pm deadline.&nbsp;The petition seeks 10 reliefs concerning the SIR and decisions taken by the Election Commission of India (ECI).The joint plea followed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s refusal on Sunday to meet Rahul Gandhi, stating that the matters being raised are already sub judice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Direct ECI to produce all details related to SIR’</h2>&nbsp;The petition urges the apex court to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to produce complete files, agreements, minutes of meetings and records of objections related to the SIR. It also seeks ECINET and ERONET access logs and file notings concerning the decision to begin the exercise on June 24, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;It seeks judicial examination of whether the disputed decisions comply with Article 324, Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and principles laid down in earlier Supreme Court judgments, including Seshan v. Union of India (1995). It urges that decisions taken without proper statutory authority be set aside.&nbsp;<h2>‘Take action against those responsible for violation of provisions’</h2>&nbsp;The plea also seeks action against those responsible for any violation of constitutional or statutory provisions governing electoral-roll preparation and revision and seeks due action under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, where necessary.&nbsp;It also wants the online Form 6 to conform to the version prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and says changes should not be made without following the formal procedure to amend rules.&nbsp;<h2>‘Set up independent committee to review SIR deletions, EVM use’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The plea further seeks an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with technical experts and eminent citizens. It says the panel would investigate deletions and amendments to electoral rolls during the SIR, examine database access and changes. The panel would also review the technical design, architecture, procedures and protocols governing the use and deployment of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).&nbsp;The petition seeks the publication of booth-wise lists of voters deleted during the SIR, the reasons for each deletion and a classification of deleted names by gender and age. It also calls for an effective mechanism to restore the names of eligible voters.&nbsp;<h2>‘Suspend ongoing SIR across states’</h2>&nbsp;The Opposition urges the court to direct that no voter’s name be deleted without legally required notice and a reasonable opportunity to be heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;The petition requests the court to suspend the ongoing SIR across all states until all the issues raised are considered and decided.&nbsp;The plea also asks the Supreme Court to pass any additional orders it considers necessary to protect the electoral process and the voting rights of every eligible citizen.

The petition seeks an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with technical experts and eminent citizens. It says the panel would investigate deletions and amendments to electoral rolls during the SIR and examine database access and changes.

The opposition leaders from the INDIA Bloc filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Monday, listing 10 prayers, including an interim stay on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and action on alleged irregularities in the poll process. According to the petition listed on the Supreme Court website as Rahul Gandhi v. Election Commission of India, the Congress legal team filed the plea before Gandhi reached the court in the evening. Lawyer S Prasanna filed the petition, as Rahul could not arrive before the 4.30 pm deadline. The petition seeks 10 reliefs concerning the SIR and decisions taken by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The joint plea followed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s refusal on Sunday to meet Rahul Gandhi, stating that the matters being raised are already sub judice. ‘Direct ECI to produce all details related to SIR’ The petition urges the apex court to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to produce complete files, agreements, minutes of meetings and records of objections related to the SIR. It also seeks ECINET and ERONET access logs and file notings concerning the decision to begin the exercise on June 24, 2025. It seeks judicial examination of whether the disputed decisions comply with Article 324, Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and principles laid down in earlier Supreme Court judgments, including Seshan v. Union of India (1995). It urges that decisions taken without proper statutory authority be set aside. ‘Take action against those responsible for violation of provisions’ The plea also seeks action against those responsible for any violation of constitutional or statutory provisions governing electoral-roll preparation and revision and seeks due action under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, where necessary. It also wants the online Form 6 to conform to the version prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and says changes should not be made without following the formal procedure to amend rules. ‘Set up independent committee to review SIR deletions, EVM use’ The plea further seeks an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with technical experts and eminent citizens. It says the panel would investigate deletions and amendments to electoral rolls during the SIR, examine database access and changes. The panel would also review the technical design, architecture, procedures and protocols governing the use and deployment of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The petition seeks the publication of booth-wise lists of voters deleted during the SIR, the reasons for each deletion and a classification of deleted names by gender and age. It also calls for an effective mechanism to restore the names of eligible voters. ‘Suspend ongoing SIR across states’ The Opposition urges the court to direct that no voter’s name be deleted without legally required notice and a reasonable opportunity to be heard. The petition requests the court to suspend the ongoing SIR across all states until all the issues raised are considered and decided. The plea also asks the Supreme Court to pass any additional orders it considers necessary to protect the electoral process and the voting rights of every eligible citizen.

The petition seeks an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with technical experts and eminent citizens. It says the panel would investigate deletions and amendments to electoral rolls during the SIR and examine database access and changes.

Opposition’s 10 demands in Supreme Court petition range from stay on SIR to audit of voter rolls

rahul-gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, News on Rahul Gandhi, stories on Rahul Gandhi, articles on Rahul Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi stories at Wion, Rahul Gandhi news, Rahul Gandhi latest news

rahul gandhi

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of defaming India at Bharat Summit, alleges Soros link

'Democracy destroyed in 2014': Rahul Gandhi questions legitimacy of elections

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of phone tapping, demands debate | RTP

Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to one-on-one debate

'E20 turns into 420': Rahul Gandhi flags over 30% ethanol in Karnataka samples

BJP slams Cong over Neha Bora video; INDIA bloc allies join in condemning

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of holding office with 'foreign help'

Amit Shah boasts Telangana BJP Yuva Morcha President can defeat Rahul Gandhi

‘Flop show, chairs empty’: BJP mocks oppn INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan

‘Your turn won’t come, stay PM in your mock parliament,’ Shah takes dig at Rahul

'Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail': Rahul Gandhi targets CEC

BJP to stage protest over anti-Sikh riots on Nov 1, same day as INDIA bloc rally

Rain postpones INDIA bloc’s ‘public impeachment’ of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Ramlila Maidan gears up for INDIA bloc rally against alleged ‘vote theft’

Delhi traders urge Rahul Gandhi to postpone INDIA bloc rally once again

Rahul Gandhi acquitted in 2018 defamation case over Amit Shah remarks

Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collides with ambulance on UP expressway

BJP attacks Rahul over Vietnam trip, alleges links with anti-national forces

‘All-male, anti-constitutional cult’: Rahul Gandhi attacks RSS on foundation day

Rahul Gandhi questions Modi over Rubio's meeting with MEA officials

Rahul Gandhi writes to President Murmu, urges hold on Gautam's appointment

Supreme Court issues notice to Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav

Are US entities trying to ‘destabilise’ India? The recurring regime change theme

'People deserve...': Indian-origin US Congresswoman slams India over SIR