Bengaluru, Oct 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged detention and manhandling of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc leaders by the Delhi Police during a protest over issues concerning the electoral process.
In a statement, Shivakumar said the alleged manner in which Opposition leaders were dragged away and detained while peacefully protesting was condemnable. He asserted that the leaders were exercising their democratic right to question the authorities, seek accountability and demand answers on matters related to elections and electoral rolls.
“The truth is on our side. You cannot break our courage,” Shivakumar said.
The Karnataka Chief Minister expressed particular concern over the alleged treatment of Priyanka Gandhi and other women leaders during the protest. He said political differences should not become a reason for the use of force against elected representatives.
“The manner in which Priyanka Gandhi and other women leaders were treated is deeply disturbing,” Shivakumar said.
He said issues surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), electoral rolls and the protection of every citizen’s vote required transparency and clarification rather than force or detention.
“Democracy does not become stronger by suppressing dissent. It becomes stronger when those in power have the courage to listen and answer,” he said.
Shivakumar said his resolve remained firm and maintained that “no amount of force or intimidation” could deter those seeking answers on electoral issues. He stressed that the sanctity of every vote and public faith in the democratic system must be protected.
“Jai Samvidhan,” he said.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah also condemned the reported detention and alleged manhandling of Opposition leaders during the protest near Jantar Mantar.
“I strongly condemn the disgraceful manhandling and detention of the Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress and Opposition leaders by the Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar today,” Siddaramaiah said.
He alleged that Priyanka Gandhi was dragged and manhandled by police and expressed concern over the reported treatment of other women leaders who were participating in the demonstration.
“The manner in which Priyanka Gandhi was dragged and manhandled by the police is deeply disturbing,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that the alleged treatment of other women leaders was also unacceptable in a democracy.
Siddaramaiah also criticised the Union government, saying the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry and alleged that political responsibility for the police action rests with the government in power.
He said Opposition leaders had been stopped for two consecutive days while seeking answers from the Election Commission on SIR, alleged electoral-roll irregularities and their “vote chori” claims.
“These questions concern the very foundation of our democracy. They deserve transparency and answers — not barricades, force and detention,” Siddaramaiah said.
He urged the Election Commission to address the concerns raised by the Opposition and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Siddaramaiah also said the Congress and Opposition parties would continue raising the issue despite the alleged police action.
“Mr Narendra Modi, the more you try to suppress the dissent, the more we grow. We will not rest until justice is done,” he said.
The statements by the two senior Karnataka Congress leaders came amid intensified Opposition protests over electoral-roll revision and demands for greater transparency in the functioning of the Election Commission.
