Akhilesh Yadav jumps barricade during Opposition protest against EC

Samajwadi Party chief and Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav climbed over a police barricade during the INDIA bloc’s protest march to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against alleged voter fraud and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The march, which began from Parliament, saw participation from over 300 MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Delhi Police had deployed multiple barricades and security personnel along the route, stopping the procession before it reached the EC office.

Akhilesh Yadav was seen speaking to a police officer before scaling the barricade and crossing over. After adjusting his party’s red cap, he accused the authorities of using police to obstruct the march. The protest focused on alleged irregularities during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with opposition leaders also raising concerns about by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, where they claimed votes were stolen and booths captured.

Several opposition leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, were detained and taken to a nearby police station. Joint Commissioner of Police Deepak Purohit stated that the protest did not have police permission and that only 30 MPs had been cleared to proceed to the EC office. He added that the detained leaders were moved to maintain order and ensure compliance with regulations.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav alleged that the Election Commission failed to act against officials accused of working under state government orders during the Uttar Pradesh by-elections. BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the protest, alleging it was aimed at including ineligible voters such as “Bangladeshis and Rohingya” in electoral rolls, calling it an attempt to turn the country into a “dharmshala.” Both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied the allegations of collusion.

The march came days after Rahul Gandhi alleged large-scale voter fraud in a Bengaluru assembly constituency during the 2024 general elections, describing his claims as significant evidence. Security arrangements near the Election Commission included quick reaction teams, additional barricades, and traffic diversions to prevent disruptions and maintain public order during the protest.