Rahul Gandhi calls every FIR a "medal", sets target of 100 as opposition takes protest to Jantar Mantar

Rahul Gandhi said he is aiming for 100 FIRs as Opposition MPs continued protesting against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday, demanding his resignation.

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Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sarcastically said he was aiming for 100 FIRs after the Delhi Police filed a case against him and other Opposition MPs for entering Akashvani Bhavan while marching towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) office in the capital on Tuesday.

“Have 45 FIRs against me. My target is 100 FIRs,” Rahul Gandhi said, adding that every FIR against him was a medal, according to PTI.

Track live updates from protests over CEC Gyanesh Kumar row

The Opposition MPs hve been protesting against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation over allegations that he took several decisions unilaterally despite objections from the two other election commissioners (ECs).

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the protest by all opposition MPs against CEC will continue.

“Modi ji is making the EC commit mistakes. We have decided that we will together raise the voice of the people,” Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said.

“Our protest will continue. The EC and Modi ji are trying to end democracy in India. They do not listen to the Constitution. Therefore, we have decided that the people’s voice must reach the entire country. That is our work as the Opposition,” he added.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi leads INDIA bloc protest, calls CEC Gyanesh Kumar to step down

A day after protest at Akashvani Bhavan, Kharge announced that Opposition will stage a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Wednesday.

“Since Delhi Police under Amit Shah is not allowing us to protest anywhere in the capital, all buses carrying MPs of opposition parties are now moving to Jantar Mantar - the designated spot for peaceful protests. Article 19 gives us our Constitutional right for democratic protest,” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera wrote on X.

A 'launch' after 'lunch'

Congress chief Kharge invited all Opposition MPs for a lunch-cum-meeting at a restaurant in Delhi to discuss the next steps in the protests against the CEC. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said earlier in the day, "There will be a lunch; maybe there will also be a launch."

Also Read | Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, poll panel over CEC Gyanesh Kumar's functioning; no interim order

Soon after the lunch, the Opposition announced that it would be heading to Jantar Mantar to continue the protests and would not be intimidated by FIRs.

Congress MP Deepender Hooda told reporters, according to ANI: "Are we going to be scared of an FIR? ...we have just come for lunch; we will have lunch. Our fight to save democracy and the Constitution will continue. I have received information that an FIR has been registered in which my name is also included. We are not going to be intimidated by an FIR."

"We are all here together; we are all here united, and we are all here without any egos. We will fight the giant till they are out," said TMC MP Derek O'Brien.

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  Shubham Pandey works as Chief Content Producer at the Hindustan Times online desk, where he writes news articles, explainers, and features with a focus on audience engagement, traffic growth, and real-time storytelling. With over a decade of experience across journalism, digital newsrooms, and strategic communications, he brings a strong understanding of online journalism, particularly in leveraging SEO, search trends, and live blogs to drive sustained reader engagement. Previously, he led the sports team at Zee News English, strengthening editorial operations while delivering measurable growth in readership. His reporting experience includes assignments with Firstpost, where he covered sports with a strong narrative focus. Shubham has worked across both startups and large media organisations, including building a sports website from the ground up in a startup environment—demonstrating versatility and leadership. His stint as Senior Account Manager at Edelman India further expanded his expertise in strategic communications, brand storytelling, and reputation management. Across roles, he specialises in content planning, writing, and crafting credible narratives for diverse audiences. He has collaborated with former international cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara, Nick Knight, and Danny Morrison to create compelling, high-impact sports content, blending editorial depth with mass appeal. When he is not writing news or watching sports, he enjoys exploring films from around the world.Read More