Delhi protest highlights: Delhi Police file FIR against CJP's Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das for Jantar Mantar breach
Delhi protest highlights: Oppn parties launched a ‘mission to restore democracy’ after marching to the Supreme Court over electoral concerns and the removal of Jantar Mantar’s status as a protest site. India bloc leaders said they would await the SC’s response before deciding their next move.
Delhi protest highlights: The India bloc has decided to wait for the Supreme Court’s response to its petition before organising another large march in central Delhi. Leaders who attended Tuesday’s meeting said the Opposition had already approached the court and would await its view before deciding on the next major mobilisation....Read More
They clarified that the decision would not halt protests and other programmes at Jantar Mantar. Four FIRs were registered over the INDIA bloc's march to Supreme Court on Monday, the Delhi Police said.
CJP leaders detained
Earlier in the day, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were detained after they attempted to enter Jantar Mantar. This came a day after it was de-notified as a protest site.
This comes amid a row over the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the country, which has led to Opposition leaders and activists seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has invited INDIA bloc MPs, student organizations, and civil society members to his residence for tea on Tuesday.
“In this people's movement to protect democracy, we are all together - and this movement will continue relentlessly. After tea, we will all come together and present our case in front of the media. All protests are one,” Rahul said in a post on X.
CJP's ultimatum to Delhi Police
The Cockroach Janata Party's 24-hour ultimatum to the Delhi Police over a protest date will end on Tuesday. The outfit co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka had given the cops 24 hours to provide a date for holding a protest at Jantar Mantar, warning that the party would announce its next course of action if no response came within the deadline. Ranka and fellow co-convener Saurav Dass entered the Parliament Street police station to press for a date.
“Jantar Mantar is the designated protest site and we are here to seek dates on which we can carry out our protest,” Ranka said. “Where should I carry out our protest? They should tell us in the next 24 hours how we can proceed with the protest. Otherwise, we will give our next call,” he added.
Oppn files SC petition after ‘March for Democracy’
On Monday, the INDIA bloc MPs undertook the “March for Democracy”, led by Rahul Gandhi. While the march was stopped on the Bhagwan Das Road, Gandhi and other Opposition MPs reached the Supreme Court, where their legal team completed formalities for a petition against the Election Commission.
This came after Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge had on Monday sought a meeting with CJI Surya Kant to raise allegations of “vote chori”. Rahul Gandhi is the lead petitioner in the plea against Election Commission. Other petitioners include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, RJD Tejashwi Yadav, TMC's Saugata Roy, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut, JMM's Mahua Majhi, CPM's MA Baby, NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule, CPI's D Raja and IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer.
The petition seeks to raise discrepancies of voter deletions during SIR and requires the Supreme Court to summon all records concerning the decisions taken by the ECI and conduct an independent probe. It will likely be heard on Tuesday.
Why is the Election Commission in the centre of a row?
The protests in the Capital by opposition leaders and activists come amid growing criticism of the Election Commission over the SIR of electoral rolls. The controversy gained momentum after reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to decisions and orders, some of which they reportedly said were issued without their knowledge.
However, the poll body has maintained that the three-member poll panel took all decisions, including those related to the SIR, unanimously.
- {{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 10:43:30 PM IST
This live blog is now closed
- 13 Oct 2026, 10:28:09 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi says Jantar Mantar decision will be challenged
Delhi Protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the Opposition would challenge the government’s decision to stop recognising Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site.
Speaking after a meeting with INDIA bloc leaders, Gandhi argued that the location had served as a space for democratic expression and said people would continue to demand the right to raise their voices. The bloc has approached the Supreme Court over the dispute.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 10:16:44 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: India bloc plans decentralised protests to reclaim Jantar Mantar
Delhi Protest LIVE: INDIA bloc leaders discussed a tentative plan to organise a mock Parliament as part of their campaign against the Union government and over concerns about electoral democracy. According to functionaries present at Tuesday’s meeting, the proposed event could target Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. No final details of the plan were provided.
- 13 Oct 2026, 10:02:25 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi tells IndiaA bloc leaders to stay ready for ‘surprise movements’
Delhi Protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi has asked INDIA bloc leaders to remain prepared for “surprise movements” that could be announced with just 24 hours’ notice, according to functionaries who attended Tuesday’s meeting. The strategy was discussed as the Opposition weighs its next steps in the campaign against the removal of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Leaders said the bloc would continue its agitation while awaiting the Supreme Court’s response to its petition.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 09:42:51 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Delhi Police file FIR against Ranka, Das over Jantar Mantar breach
Delhi Protest LIVE: Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after party members allegedly entered the barricaded Jantar Mantar protest site without authorisation and demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The action follows the recent denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Around 11 CJP members were detained on Tuesday, with security tightened around the police station where they were taken.
- 13 Oct 2026, 09:33:22 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: India bloc plans ‘INDIA plus’ platform to bring activists, students on board
Delhi Protest LIVE: The INDIA bloc has discussed forming an expanded “INDIA plus” platform to bring political parties, student groups, activists and other organisations together in its campaign over democratic rights and the right to protest.
The proposal emerged at a meeting hosted by Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday. The move would broaden the campaign beyond established Opposition parties, with student leaders and civil society representatives also participating in the discussions.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 09:22:16 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Opposition puts fresh march on hold pending Supreme Court’s view
Delhi Protest LIVE: The INDIA bloc has decided to wait for the Supreme Court’s response to its petition before organising another large march in central Delhi. Leaders who attended Tuesday’s meeting said the Opposition had already approached the court and would await its view before deciding on the next major mobilisation. However, they clarified that the decision would not halt protests and other programmes at Jantar Mantar.
- 13 Oct 2026, 08:56:39 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi says Opposition united in fight to restore democracy
Delhi Protest LIVE: Opposition parties on Tuesday announced a “mission to restore democracy” following their march to the Supreme Court over concerns surrounding the electoral system and the removal of Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site.
After a high tea meeting at Rahul Gandhi’s residence, INDIA bloc leaders said they would continue their campaign while awaiting the Supreme Court’s response to their petition against the government’s decision. Gandhi said the movement had one common objective: restoring democratic processes in India.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 08:43:28 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: VCK leader says protesters will continue to focus on Jantar Mantar
Delhi Protest LIVE: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said the protest in Delhi would continue until the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) resigns. Responding to the Delhi government’s reported position that Jantar Mantar was not a protest site, he said the protesters would continue to focus on the location.
Asked about Union Minister of State L Murugan’s resignation from the Union ministry and the Rajya Sabha, Thirumavalavan said he had only just learned of it and did not know the reason. He added that it could be an internal party issue and declined to comment further.
- 13 Oct 2026, 08:27:38 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Congress says INDIA bloc to join district, block-level protests over voter rights
#WATCH | Delhi: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad says, "Today, we discussed the political strategy for the movement in the coming days. We decided that we would participate in the ongoing protests at the district and block levels tomorrow, and subsequently, we would be called back to Delhi. This movement will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns. We have also resolved to confront those leaders and associates supporting him—even going so far as to address the involvement of figures like PM Modi and Amit Shah... The most important thing is that the country, its citizens, its Constitution, and its democracy are paramount. Yet, today, one man occupying a position of power— Gyanesh Kumar—is dismantling this; he is undermining the rights granted to the people, including the right to vote. It makes me wonder: is he an RSS worker? Is he a BJP cadre member? Why are they coming out in support of this man?..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2026Delhi Protest LIVE: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad said the INDIA bloc had finalised its political strategy for the coming days and would join ongoing protests at the district and block levels on Wednesday before returning to Delhi.
“This movement will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns,” Gaikwad said, adding that the alliance had also resolved to confront leaders supporting the Chief Election Commissioner, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Accusing Kumar of undermining citizens’ voting rights, Gaikwad questioned why BJP leaders were backing him. She said the country, its citizens, the Constitution and democracy must remain the priority.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 08:17:37 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Amit Shah urges Rahul Gandhi to introspect
Delhi Protest LIVE: The union home minister listed Congress' poll losses over the years, saying the party has failed to win elections in states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Gujarat for “decades”, and also called for Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to introspect.
“For 33 years, no Congress Chief Minister has won in Tripura. In Bengal, the Congress party has not achieved a victory for 54 years. In states like Bengal, Tripura, and Gujarat, the Congress party has faced defeat for three, four, or even five decades. I want to ask Shri Rahul Gandhi directly: is this the result of the SIR? The SIR only came into effect after 2024,” Shah said.
- 13 Oct 2026, 08:01:15 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: 'Congress hasn't won a single election in 41 years in Gujarat': Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi
Delhi Protest LIVE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) "resounding victory" in the Gujarat local body elections, pointing to the opposition’s prolonged electoral drought in the state.
Addressing the media in the national capital, the Home Minister asserted that the recent poll results, in which the BJP secured 90 out of 104 seats across three municipalities and municipal corporations, reflect the unwavering trust the people of Gujarat have in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, news agency ANI reported.
"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.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 07:55:50 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: ‘CJP leaders still under illegal detention’, says Dipke
CJP leaders are still under illegal detention. Delhi Police has turned into kidnappers of Shah.
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) October 13, 2026Delhi Protest LIVE: Cockroach Janta Party on Tuesday claimed that CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde were still under “illegal detention.”
In a post on X he said, “Delhi Police has turned into kidnappers of Shah.”
The three were detained Tuesday morning upon reaching Jantar Mantar.
- 13 Oct 2026, 07:32:23 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘SIR came after 2024, Cong lost poll since Rahul became leader’ says Shah
Amit Shah trains guns on Rahul Gandhi, says, "The SIR only came into effect after 2024. Ever since you emerged as the principal leader of the Congress—and subsequently as its President and the Leader of the Opposition—the party has consistently lost elections."
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 07:30:13 PM IST
Delhi Protest LIVE: Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi over SIR
"I also wish to ask Rahul ji: is this the result of an 'SIR'? You dismiss the popularity of the BJP and Modi ji by attributing it to an 'SIR'. You need to introspect. In a major state where you once held power, you have failed to win a single election in 41 years. This is a matter that demands serious introspection on their part. Recently, by-elections were held in three states across the country: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. I want to inform the people of the country today that the Congress party did not win a single seat in the elections held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry," says Amit Shah.
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:49:39 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘We have utmost respect for CJI, SC’, says Rahul Gandhi
We have the utmost respect for the Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court and the judicial system of India. They have a role to play. We hope that they will play that role. But we are also political people. No matter what happens, political resistance will continue, people's resistance will continue, and it will triumph. : LoP Shri @RahulGandhi 📍 Delhi
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Addressing media on Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “We have the utmost respect for the Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court and the judicial system of India. They have a role to play. We hope that they will play that role.”
“But we are also political people. No matter what happens, political resistance will continue, people's resistance will continue, and it will triumph.”
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:39:46 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: 'Gyanesh Kumar has joined the ruling party's team', says M A Baby
VIDEO | Delhi: "Gyanesh Kumar has joined the ruling party's team... He steals votes, protest site and democracy," says CPI(M) leader M A Baby after INDIA bloc meeting at Rahul Gandhi's house. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) #Delhi https://t.co/aHBCqBvD4V
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: "Gyanesh Kumar has joined the ruling party's team... He steals votes, protest site and democracy," says CPI(M) leader M A Baby after INDIA bloc meeting at Rahul Gandhi's house.
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:37:11 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘It was a very good meeting’, says Sanjay Raut after high tea at Gandhi's residence
#WATCH | Delhi: After the high tea meeting at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's residence, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "Rahul ji had convened it and invited everyone—leaders and MPs were present for the high tea—and it was a very good meeting. Discussions were held, and everyone's suggestions regarding the way forward and their respective views were taken into account; however, the ongoing struggle against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Modi ji, and Shah ji will continue—both in the national capital and elsewhere..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: After the high tea meeting at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's residence, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "Rahul ji had convened it and invited everyone—leaders and MPs were present for the high tea—and it was a very good meeting. Discussions were held, and everyone's suggestions regarding the way forward and their respective views were taken into account; however, the ongoing struggle against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Modi ji, and Shah ji will continue—both in the national capital and elsewhere..."
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:34:08 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘We will continue with the fight’, says Ramesh Chennithala
#WATCH | Delhi: After the high tea meeting at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's residence, Keralam Minister Ramesh Chennithala says, "We will continue with the fight because Gyanesh Kumar has completely ruined the election process. INDIA alliance and the Congress party will fight to the last. One thing is very clear: everybody is united, and we will fight against the misdeeds of the central government and especially Gyanesh Kumar. I received an application regarding the misconduct and corrupt activities of Gyanesh Kumar 20 years back when he was a PWD secretary in Kerala. We are going into the details of the file. In the file, it is very clear that he is involved in various corrupt activities... Now, the Kerala government has decided to unearth all these things, and in the coming days, after going into the details, we will take a strong view on these corrupt activities of Gyanesh Kumar. It is already with the Director and the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Kerala."
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: After the high tea meeting at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's residence, Keralam Minister Ramesh Chennithala said, “We will continue with the fight because Gyanesh Kumar has completely ruined the election process. INDIA alliance and the Congress party will fight to the last. One thing is very clear: everybody is united, and we will fight against the misdeeds of the central government and especially Gyanesh Kumar.”
"I received an application regarding the misconduct and corrupt activities of Gyanesh Kumar 20 years back when he was a PWD secretary in Kerala. We are going into the details of the file. In the file, it is very clear that he is involved in various corrupt activities... Now, the Kerala government has decided to unearth all these things, and in the coming days, after going into the details, we will take a strong view on these corrupt activities of Gyanesh Kumar. It is already with the Director and the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Kerala."
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:32:21 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: INDIA bloc leaders at Rahul Gandhi's residence for high tea
Delhi | INDIA bloc leaders including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the residence of Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for a high tea meeting. Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has invited the leaders of the INDIA alliance, opposition MPs, and student organizations to his residence for tea. (Pic Source: AICC)
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: INDIA bloc leaders including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the residence of Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for a high tea meeting.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:10:26 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi says INDIA bloc’s movement will continue, keeps next steps under wraps
Delhi protest LIVE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the ongoing movement would continue until its ultimate goal to get Gyanesh Kumar's resignation was achieved, while keeping the next course of action under wraps.
“Our movement will go till the end goal. How? That is a surprise,” Gandhi said at a press conference.
- 13 Oct 2026, 06:00:31 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Neha Bora calls for unity against BJP at joint press conference with INDIA bloc MPs
Delhi protest LIVE: AISA President Neha Bora called for the focus to remain on the BJP, saying the fight should be directed against the ruling party. She made the remarks during a joint press conference with INDIA bloc MPs.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 05:53:46 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Tejashwi Yadav says action must be taken, vows to protect democracy
Delhi protest LIVE: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said those responsible would have to answer and asserted that action would follow, vowing to protect democracy. “They will have to answer for this, action will certainly be taken against them, and we will protect democracy,” Tejashwi Yadav said.
- 13 Oct 2026, 05:41:23 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Uttarakhand CM slams Rahul Gandhi's remarks against NSA Ajit Doval
Delhi protest LIVE: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, saying the people of the state were angry over the comments and describing Doval as a patriot and a source of pride for Uttarakhand.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 05:27:22 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: SP's Iqra Hasan says struggle to protect democracy will continue
Delhi protest LIVE: Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan said the struggle to protect democracy would continue, asserting that the turnout at the INDIA bloc’s October 12 protest reflected public support for the opposition alliance.
“The struggle to protect democracy will continue,” Hasan said, adding that the large turnout at the protest indicated that people stood by the INDIA bloc. (PTI)
- 13 Oct 2026, 05:15:51 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: INDIA bloc high tea meeting begins at Rahul Gandhi’s residence
Delhi protest LIVE: The INDIA bloc’s high tea meeting has begun at the residence of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who has joined the gathering along with opposition leaders to discuss the alliance’s future course of action.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 05:09:39 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘The King is using all his might to shield his parrot’, SP MP targets government
Delhi protest LIVE: Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj called for democracy to be protected, alleging that the Constitution was under threat and democratic institutions were being undermined.
“The ‘King’ is using all his might to shield his ‘parrot’; the parrot should resign, and democracy must be saved,” Saroj said, using the metaphor to criticise the government’s handling of the issue. He added that safeguarding democracy was the shared objective of those raising these concerns.
- 13 Oct 2026, 04:57:41 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Sonia Gandhi arrives at Rahul Gandhi’s residence for INDIA bloc high tea meeting
VIDEO | Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi arrives at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s residence to attend the INDIA bloc high-tea meeting. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/RB9xPeekyw
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi arrived at the residence of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to attend the INDIA bloc’s high tea meeting. The meeting is expected to focus on discussions among alliance leaders on the future course of action and the ongoing protest. (PTI)
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 04:47:27 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘Don’t let conspiracy theories divide us’, Abhijeet Dipke urges unity
When CJP was granted permission to protest, many were quick to float conspiracy theories that we were planted by the BJP. Yesterday, the INDIA bloc held a massive protest, but there was no crackdown like the one we witnessed on October 10. This is exactly how the govt plays us against each other. By treating different protests differently, they create suspicion and mistrust among people who are ultimately fighting for the same cause. My only request to everyone is to see through these tactics. Today, they may allow one protest and crush another. Tomorrow, they could reverse the roles. The idea is to keep us doubting each other instead of questioning those in power. Don’t let conspiracy theories divide us. Don’t fall into the trap of fighting among ourselves when we should be standing together. The fight is against Gyanesh Kumar and those protecting him. Don’t lose sight of that.
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged protesters and their supporters not to let conspiracy theories create divisions, alleging that different responses to demonstrations are fostering mistrust among groups raising similar concerns.
In a post on X, Dipke said that after CJP was granted permission to protest, some people had alleged that the group was acting at the BJP’s behest. He contrasted the police response to the INDIA bloc’s protest with the action witnessed during the CJP demonstration on October 10.
“By treating different protests differently, they create suspicion and mistrust among people who are ultimately fighting for the same cause,” he wrote, urging people to focus on those in power rather than turn against one another.
Dipke concluded that the focus should remain on CEC Gyanesh Kumar and those he accused of protecting him.
- 13 Oct 2026, 04:41:46 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: INDIA bloc’s campaign against ‘danger lurking in the country’ will continue, says Congress
Delhi protest LIVE: Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Tuesday said the campaign led by the INDIA bloc had gained momentum and was increasingly becoming a public movement.
Speaking about the high tea meeting called by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Singhvi said the campaign involved civil society members, advocates and opposition leaders, adding that a different kind of press interaction could be expected as it progressed.
Responding to questions about technical defects reportedly cited in Rahul Gandhi’s petition before the Supreme Court, Singhvi dismissed the objections as “rubbish”, arguing that defect checks were routine in legal filings. He challenged critics to identify substantive errors in the petition rather than focus on technical issues such as punctuation, photocopy quality or photographs.
Singhvi also questioned whether the objections addressed the allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 04:30:17 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘With Rahul-ji, one must be ready for anything’, says Supriya Shrinate on next steps
#WATCH | Delhi | On the high tea meeting at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's residence, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate says, "With Rahul-ji, one must be ready for anything. I don't know what will happen next, but given that it is Rahul-ji, we never know when he might decide to march. I feel that the kind of march we held yesterday—and the marches we are continuously undertaking, along with the way we are driving this agitation and campaign against theft—should wake up the slumbering government and force them to stop such nefarious activities. The frivolous narrative the BJP is trying to push only exposes their frustration and desperation..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said the next course of action in the INDIA bloc’s agitation would remain open-ended, adding that Rahul Gandhi could call for another march at any time.
“With Rahul-ji, one must be ready for anything,” she said ahead of the high tea meeting at the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition’s residence. Referring to Monday’s march and the ongoing campaign against alleged electoral irregularities, Shrinate said the protests should “wake up the slumbering government” and force it to stop what she described as wrongful activities. She also accused the BJP of pushing a “frivolous narrative” out of frustration and desperation.
- 13 Oct 2026, 04:15:30 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Manickam Tagore says INDIA bloc leaders united to ‘save democracy'
Delhi protest LIVE: Congress MP and Tamil Nadu Congress president Manickam Tagore said the INDIA bloc would collectively decide its future course of action at the high tea meet called by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
“The future course of action will be planned collectively,” Tagore said, referring to the opposition leaders’ march to the Supreme Court on Monday. He added that leaders and MPs had participated in the march to “save the democracy and election commission also”.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 04:06:33 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi’s high tea meet to discuss next steps in protest, says Pawan Khera
VIDEO | When asked about the high tea meet called by Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) says, "Yes, the entire INDIA alliance, along with our other allies who are involved in the student movement and members of civil society who are associated with us, will sit together and decide on our future strategy. We will determine how to take this protest forward in the coming days." #RahulGandhi #HighTea
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Congress leader Pawan Khera said the INDIA bloc, along with other allies involved in the student movement and members of civil society, would meet at the high tea gathering called by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss the next course of action.
“Yes, the entire INDIA alliance, along with our other allies who are involved in the student movement and members of civil society who are associated with us, will sit together and decide on our future strategy,” Khera said.
He added that the meeting would focus on deciding how to take the ongoing protest forward in the coming days.
- 13 Oct 2026, 03:56:15 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: CJP leaders still detained, Dipke claims ‘this is kidnapping’
Delhi protest LIVE: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has claimed that CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde remain in detention and alleged that police are not allowing their lawyers to meet them.
Questioning the police action, Dipke said, “How can police stop lawyers from meeting them?” He further alleged that the police were not following due process, describing the detention as “kidnapping”.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 03:43:32 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Kiran Bedi calls for clear security plan for protests at Ramlila Maidan
During my lifetime of policing the city of Delhi I have seen protest sites shift from PM residence, Teen Murti Marg (Then Mrs Gandhi’s Residence) to roads of Lutyens Delhi, in early 70s to India Gate in 80s, Boat Club to Jantar Mantra as was. Every city does require an open space for democratic expression, which we also call a protest. But forgets to provide for. City planners to please note Jantar mantra was least suited to be a protest site in view of its narrow lanes and proximity to sensitive buildings and offices. Besides the iconic Commerical Area of Connaught place complex I think the administration of that time erred in taking that decision and did not correct all this while. And the consequences are there to see Ramlila grounds and others have been identified by the #MHA. Perhaps the change needed a Judicial nudge. Now we need a clear security and functioning plan for Ramlila ground to be stated when according permissions. @DelhiPolice #CommisionerMCD. @LtGovDelhi #ChiefMinisterDelhi
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi traced the evolution of protest venues in Delhi, from areas near the Prime Minister’s residence and India Gate to Boat Club and Jantar Mantar.
- 13 Oct 2026, 03:37:20 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: ‘Democracy will not survive if people are deprived of voting rights', says UP Congress chief
Delhi protest LIVE: Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Aradhana Misra-Mona, speaking on the INDIA bloc’s protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleged that more than 13 crore people had had their names deleted.
“This is not an ordinary matter. The greatest strength of democracy in the country is the right to vote. If people are deprived of it, democracy will not survive,” she said.
Misra-Mona added that INDIA bloc allies, Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leaders had collectively presented their case before the Supreme Court. She described the ongoing agitation as a “people’s movement” rather than one limited to a political party or alliance.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 03:23:10 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Congress compromised ECI’s independence, alleges Piyush Goyal
VIDEO | Delhi: Addressing a press conference, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, says, "Over the past few days, we have witnessed Rahul Gandhi's conduct, the double standards in his actions, and what can only be described as childish behaviour that undermines every aspect of the Constitution. The NDA government has granted the Election Commission complete autonomy to function independently in the national and public interest. It has never attempted to offer political benefits to any appointed Election Commissioner. It has allowed them to work honestly and has never committed the wrongdoing of offering them political positions in violation of the legal provisions. However, if we look at Rahul Gandhi's track record, which he conveniently ignores, we find that the Congress appointed a Chief Election Commissioner as a candidate on its party ticket, inducted another into the Union Cabinet, and appointed two Chief Election Commissioners as Governors. On one occasion, despite the Chief Election Commissioner's complaint that an Election Commissioner working under him was acting entirely like a Congress agent, the Congress government refused to remove that official. We have rarely seen such a degree of bias in any government's conduct as the Congress has demonstrated. Let us begin with T. N. Seshan, who served as Chief Election Commissioner. The Congress used to praise his integrity and fearlessness. But what did it do afterwards? In 1999, it gave him the opportunity to contest on a Congress ticket against L. K. Advani. If he had been administering the electoral system with such integrity as an Election Commissioner, was fielding him as a party candidate in such an important election, against a leader like Advani, not a way of rewarding him? M. S. Gill served as Chief Election Commissioner for five years, from 1996 to 2001. Interestingly, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. In 2000, while he was still the sitting Chief Election Commissioner, he was conferred India's second-highest civilian honour. Was this not an inducement? Was it not, in effect, a form of bribery?" #BJP #PiyushGoyal #RahulGandhi (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Union minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday accused the Congress of compromising the independence of the Election Commission by allegedly rewarding former Chief Election Commissioners with political positions and other honours.
Addressing a press conference, Goyal cited the examples of TN Seshan and MS Gill, questioning the Congress’s decision to field Seshan on a party ticket in 1999 and the conferment of the Padma Vibhushan on Gill in 2000, while he was still serving as CEC.
“Was this not an inducement? Was it not, in effect, a form of bribery?” Goyal asked, alleging that the Congress had demonstrated bias in its dealings with the poll body. He also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent conduct and defended the NDA government, saying it had granted the Election Commission complete autonomy to function independently.
- 13 Oct 2026, 03:13:53 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Piyush Goyal calls Rahul Gandhi the ‘biggest red flag’ for Congress
Delhi protest LIVE: BJP leader Piyush Goyal launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the “biggest red flag” responsible for the party losing election after election.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 03:02:11 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: NSUI protests outside Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, protesters detained
Delhi protest LIVE: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged a flash protest outside Gate No. 7 of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in Delhi, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Security personnel detained the protesters. (PTI)
- 13 Oct 2026, 02:53:44 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Lawyer says CJP leaders' last message indicated phones were being taken away
VIDEO | Delhi: Jantar Mantar breached by CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde. Their legal representative Pushp Sharma, “... Apart from Saurav Das, Ashutosh and Ajinkya Shinde, 11 others are also here. They arrived at around 9.30 am, and I reached here about half an hour later. I spoke to the SHO and tried to meet them, speak to them and check on their well-being to ensure they were safe. I had been in constant contact with Saurav Das through WhatsApp messages and phone calls. His last message to me was that their phones were being taken away. Since then, I have repeatedly tried calling him, but he has not answered. I have also repeatedly requested the SHO to allow me inside to meet them. I have informed the police that they have the right to meet their lawyer, but I have only been told that they are being kept safe and that I can call if I need to discuss anything with them. However, the last message I received from Saurav Das indicated that their phones were being taken away..."
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde were among those present at Jantar Mantar, along with 11 others, according to their legal representative, Pushp Sharma, who said he had been unable to meet them despite repeated requests to the police.
Speaking about the situation, Sharma said the group had arrived at around 9.30 am, and he reached the site approximately half an hour later. He said he spoke to the Station House Officer (SHO) and attempted to meet the group to check on their well-being and ensure their safety.
“I had been in constant contact with Saurav Das through WhatsApp messages and phone calls. His last message to me was that their phones were being taken away. Since then, I have repeatedly tried calling him, but he has not answered,” Sharma said.
He added that he had repeatedly requested the SHO to allow him to meet the group and had informed the police of their right to access legal counsel.
“However, the last message I received from Saurav Das indicated that their phones were being taken away,” Sharma said, adding that the police had assured him that the group was being kept safe and told him he could call if he needed to discuss anything with them.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 02:25:02 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Rahul invites INDIA bloc MPs, student organisations for tea; says they will address media jointly
Delhi protest LIVE: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has invited INDIA bloc MPs, student organizations, and civil society members to his residence for tea on Tuesday.
“In this people's movement to protect democracy, we are all together - and this movement will continue relentlessly. After tea, we will all come together and present our case in front of the media. All protests are one,” Rahul said in a post on X.
- 13 Oct 2026, 02:17:57 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde kept separate from other detained CJP volunteers, claims Dipke
Delhi protest LIVE: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday claimed CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Abhijeet Dipke had been taken separately, while other volunteers were taken somewhere else.
“I spoke to Ratna (CJP Legal Head Ratna Singh) just now, she told me that Ashutosh, Ajinkya, and Saurav have been kept separately (after detention in Delhi),” Dipke said. “The 11 volunteers who were with them have been taken somewhere else. When our lawyers reached the Police Station, Police didn't let them enter. Others from our party were threatened with detention there,” he added.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 02:04:29 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: SC lawyers express solidarity with those lawyers who were detained during protests earlier this week
VIDEO | Delhi: Supreme Court lawyers express solidarity with those lawyers who were detained by Delhi Police during protest earlier this week. #DelhiNews #SupremeCourt (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/hVrTXiiODr
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: Supreme Court lawyers on Tuesday expressed solidarity with those lawyers who were detained by the Delhi Police during protests earlier this week, PTI news agency reported.
- 13 Oct 2026, 01:48:37 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: INDIA bloc's march to SC attempt to pressurise judiciary, says Eknath Shinde
Delhi protest LIVE: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday slammed the INDIA bloc's march to the Supreme Court as an “attempt to pressure judiciary.”
“It was a black Day in Indian history. The morcha to the Supreme Court was an attempt to pressurise the judiciary. This has happened for the first time in the country,” the Maharashtra deputy CM said, addressing a news conference, PTI news agency reported.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 01:22:57 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: Video show AISA, student organisations holding protest in Patna
VIDEO | Patna: All India Students' Association and other student organisations stage a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Gandhi Maidan. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/zMRUPNjLc7
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2026Delhi protest LIVE: A video showed AISA and other student organisations holding a protest in Bihar's Patna over the alleged irregularities in SIR and against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The protesters were seen running towards the police barricades after the march began from Gandhi Maidan.
- 13 Oct 2026, 01:15:54 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: 14 people, including CJP's Das and Ranka, detained om Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, says advocate
Delhi protest LIVE: The Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with 12 others, from Jantar Mantar and took them to the Jaffarpur Kalan police station, their legal counsel Advocate Pushp Sharma said, ANI news agency reported.
“They are currently being kept inside. In my last conversation with Saurav, he confirmed that they are still inside. We do not know yet how much longer they will be kept there,” Sharma said.
“I spoke with the police officers standing outside, and they mentioned that it will take some more time. I have not been permitted to go inside to meet them yet. We have been informed that the SHO has said permission may be granted in 15 to 20 minutes. Once permitted, I will go inside and speak with them,” ANI cited the lawyer as saying.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 01:12:16 PM IST
Anti-CEC protests: AISA, student outfits hold protest in Patna
Delhi protest LIVE: The All India Students' Association (AISA) and the Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA) on Tuesday held a protest at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, ANI news agency reported.
- 13 Oct 2026, 12:56:03 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: CJP claims Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka not allowed to meet their lawyer
Delhi protest LIVE: CJP's legal affairs head Ratna Singh on Tuesday claimed the outfit's co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were not being allowed to meet their lawyer after being detained from Jantar Mantar on Tuesday.
“Today morning @SauravDassss, @AshutoshRanka and @AjinkyaCJP, along with other leaders, were detained by Delhi Police for waving National Flag at Jantar Mantar. Now the SHO of Jaffarpur Kalan police station has refused to let the lawyer meet them, while their phones have been confiscated, raise serious concerns,” Singh said in a post on X. “Under what legal authority are they being detained and why is their lawyer being denied access?” Singh added.
Das, Ranka and others were detained after they climbed a gate and attempted to enter Jantar Mantar, a day after it was denotified as a protest site and alternative venues designated.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 13 Oct 2026, 12:21:58 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: SC seeks presence of senior Delhi Police officer to explain alleged assault of woman journalists during stir
Delhi protest LIVE: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the personal presence of a senior Delhi Police officer to explain the alleged assault on women journalists during the recent protests in Delhi, Live Law reported.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made the observation after Senior Advocate Indira Jaising mentioned a petition filed by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), seeking safeguards for journalists covering protests, particularly women journalists.
- 13 Oct 2026, 12:19:51 PM IST
Delhi protest LIVE: SC to take up all petitions linked to Delhi protests on October 15
Delhi protest LIVE: The Supreme Court has confirmed that it will take up all petitions linked to Delhi protests on Thursday, October 15, ANI news agency reported.
The Supreme Court also agreed to the Centre’s request to grant an extension till Thursday to file its response on the two pleas. One has sought contempt action against authorities for alleged violation of SC’s October 8 order directing the lifting of ‘a complete ban’ in Delhi metros, railway services and other restrictions amid protests. The other was filed against alleged detentions made by the police, according to ANI.
- {{^htLoading}}