Rahul Gandhi vs Amit Shah Over Delhi Police: The Row Explained
Rahul Gandhi accused Delhi Police of silencing women protesters and journalists and questioned Amit Shah. What he said, the police reply and BJP's position.
What sparked the row
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly accused Delhi Police of mistreating women protesters and journalists during demonstrations in the capital. His remarks followed complaints by three women journalists who covered the October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar.
Rahul Gandhi's main points
In a social media post reported by The Times of India, Gandhi said events in Delhi followed a pattern of silencing women who ask questions. He said hundreds were detained at Jantar Mantar, that cameras were snatched from women journalists and that no FIR had been filed on a journalist's complaint. He also cited separate allegations made by two women about Saket police station and asked that its full CCTV footage be released.
Because Delhi Police reports to the Union Home Ministry, he directed his question to Home Minister Amit Shah.
Police and government side
Delhi Police has said the journalists' complaints are with its Crime Branch and that relevant footage is being examined. BJP leaders have generally accused the opposition of politicising law-and-order situations and of misleading the public on the wider voter-list issue. On October 5, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Gandhi of misleading people on Form 6 and the SIR, according to live coverage of the day's events.
Why this matters politically
The row links two separate issues — police conduct and the Election Commission's SIR — into one opposition narrative. Congress has announced a month-long campaign on alleged 'vote chori'. The BJP's strategy is to defend institutions and portray the protests as opposition-backed.
What to watch
- Whether an FIR is registered on the journalists' complaints
- Release, or not, of Saket police station footage
- Police arrangements for the CJP protest from October 10
- Any statement from the Home Ministry
Frequently asked questions
Why did Rahul Gandhi question Amit Shah?
Because Delhi Police comes under the Union Home Ministry headed by Amit Shah.
What footage did he ask to be released?
Full CCTV footage from Saket police station.
Sources
Independently written from reporting by the outlets below. Allegations are attributed and have not been independently verified by EngBen. Details may change.