A political row has erupted in India over allegations of "vote theft" by opposition parties, and accusations of electoral irregularities against the country's election body, which they say favoured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 general elections.

Rahul Gandhi, lawmaker and leader of India's main opposition Congress party, is stopped by police along with other lawmakers during a protest against what they say are electoral malpractices, in New Delhi, India, August 11, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched from Parliament’s Makar Dwar to the Election Commission of India in New Delhi on Monday, protesting against alleged voter list irregularities in a state heading for polls in November.

The prime-time debate show Mahadangal on ABP News highlights the escalating controversy over alleged voter fraud, causing nationwide protests and parliamentary paralysis. Opposition parties accuse the Election Commission of bias towards the ruling BJP and demand accountability.

Scores of Indian opposition lawmakers -- including Akhilesh Yadav, Derek O’Brien and Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s main rival -- are detained after police block their march to the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi.