Rajghat Protest plans by Congress and other INDIA bloc leaders faced a setback on October 8, 2026, after Delhi Police imposed a ban on gatherings at Rajghat. The restriction came after opposition leaders announced plans to march to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial as part of their ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The political demonstrations have continued in Delhi for several days, with police detentions and FIRs adding to the tension.

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Delhi Police Restricts Gatherings at Rajghat

Delhi Police imposed restrictions on gatherings at Rajghat after Congress announced its plan to hold a protest there. The decision came as Congress and other INDIA bloc parties prepared for another day of demonstrations in the national capital.

The opposition leaders had planned to gather after a lunch meeting hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The proposed march to Rajghat was linked to their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission’s official website lists Gyanesh Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner. He took charge as the 26th CEC on February 19, 2025.

Congress Continues Protest Against Election Commission

The latest Rajghat Protest comes after two consecutive days of demonstrations by Congress and other opposition parties in Delhi. The INDIA bloc has been demanding action over what its leaders describe as irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls.

Opposition leaders have questioned the handling of the voter-list revision process and have called for Gyanesh Kumar to step down. These are political allegations made by the opposition and remain part of an ongoing political dispute.

The Election Commission, meanwhile, continues to carry out its responsibilities as the country’s constitutional authority for conducting elections. Its official records state that the Commission administers elections to Parliament, state assemblies and the offices of the President and Vice President.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Detained

The latest development follows a protest on October 7, when several INDIA bloc leaders were stopped by Delhi Police while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among those detained during the protest. Police later registered an FIR against the two Congress leaders and others, alleging assault and obstruction of police personnel. Delhi Police said 91 people, including MPs and other leaders, were detained during the protest.

The allegations are being investigated, and the FIR does not by itself establish guilt.

Protests Have Continued Since October 2

The demonstrations over the Election Commission have been taking place in Delhi since October 2. Police have used restrictions on assemblies and movement in parts of central Delhi while managing the protests.

According to a report on the legal position around the protests, Delhi Police imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across New Delhi on October 2. Such orders can be used by authorities to control gatherings when they believe there is a risk to public order.

The restrictions have become a major part of the dispute as opposition parties continue to organise demonstrations.

INDIA Bloc Leaders Hold Another Meeting

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted another lunch meeting for INDIA bloc MPs in Delhi on October 8. Leaders from several opposition parties were expected to attend, including representatives of the Trinamool Congress, CPI(M), CPI and Indian Union Muslim League.

Samajwadi Party representatives Rajeev Rai and Mohibbullah Nadvi were also expected to participate. The meeting followed the previous day’s protest and was intended to discuss the alliance’s next steps.

The INDIA bloc has been seeking coordination among opposition parties as the dispute over the Election Commission continues.

Security Tightened in Central Delhi

Security arrangements have been increased across parts of central Delhi because of the continuing demonstrations. The police have been using barricades and additional personnel around important locations and planned protest sites.

Reports also said the Union Home Ministry had deployed Central Armed Police Forces in Delhi between October 8 and 12 to assist local authorities with security and crowd management.

The developments have kept areas around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and other central Delhi locations under close security attention.

Dispute Linked to Electoral Roll Revision

At the centre of the political dispute is the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the process and have demanded greater transparency.

The Election Commission has maintained that electoral processes are carried out under the Constitution, election laws and its instructions. Earlier in 2026, the Commission said its observers and officials were responsible for ensuring that elections were conducted according to law and ECI instructions.

As the protests continue, the disagreement between the opposition and the Election Commission remains focused on the voter-list revision process, the role of the CEC and the conduct of demonstrations in the capital.