Delhi Police register 25 FIRs amid continued opposition protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation

Delhi Police have registered 25 First Information Reports (FIRs) over eight days as protests led by INDIA bloc opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar continued across the capital.

The latest case was filed following a protest on Thursday near MOETS restaurant in Connaught Place, where a minor scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP supporters. Police said the fresh FIR against the Congress involves alleged violations of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the New Delhi district.

Authorities are also investigating a complaint by a Kashmiri man who alleged he was roughed up by Congress members for chanting slogans supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A police officer stated that assault charges will be added based on the findings.

The protests began on October 2 following a call by All India Students’ Association president Neha Bora. Opposition demonstrations escalated two days later when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi issued a separate call to action, leading over 300 opposition MPs to march toward the CEC office.

Delhi Police sources said at least three FIRs have been registered against Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly assaulting police personnel and obstructing officers from performing their duties during a protest on Wednesday. Most of the 25 total FIRs involve allegations of vandalism of public property, scuffles with police, obstructing government work, and violations of Section 163 BNSS prohibitory orders.

Thursday marked the third consecutive day of demonstrations by opposition MPs. A contingent led by Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallicurjun Kharge staged a peaceful protest at Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.

Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal told reporters that opposition leaders are awaiting an appointment with the President. He stated that requests were initially sent on October 2, followed by a list of INDIA alliance leaders submitted on October 5 seeking a meeting between October 7 and 9, but no response had been received so far.

INDIA bloc sources said that if the President grants an appointment, selected MPs will meet her following a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan. If no appointment is granted, the alliance plans to march to the Bhavan to protest. Opposition leaders are scheduled to meet in Parliament House on Friday afternoon before deciding on their next steps.