Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 7: The Congress on Wednesday announced widespread protests across states, districts and blocks on Thursday, October 8, observing what it termed a ‘Black Day’ for Indian democracy following the detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Congress said all Pradesh Congress Committees, District Congress Committees and Block Congress Committees had been directed to organise protests at the state, district and block or mandal levels. The party said the demonstrations would continue until Gyanesh Kumar was removed from office and what it described as the integrity of the electoral system was restored.

In a statement, Congress alleged that Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, senior party leaders and INDIA bloc MPs were subjected to force and lathi-charge during Wednesday's protest, resulting in injuries. The party described the police action as an "attack on the Constitution" and said it would continue its agitation against the Election Commission.

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained by Delhi Police after they attempted to reach the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar. The leaders were demanding accountability from the Election Commission and the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest came a day after opposition leaders, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, were detained following a demonstration against the Election Commission. The opposition has been demanding action over allegations related to electoral-roll revisions and has accused the poll panel of failing to address its concerns. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were subsequently released after being detained on Wednesday, while other opposition leaders were also released from police custody.